In the month of June the grass grows high
And round my cottage thick-leaved branches sway.
There is not a bird but delights in the place where it rests:
And I too - love my thatched cottage.
I have done ploughing:
I have sown my seed.
Again I have time to sit and read my books.
In the narrow lane there are no deep ruts:
Often my friend's carriages turn back.
In high spirits I pour out my spring wine
And pluck the lettuce growing in my garden.
A gentle rain comes stealing up from the east
And a sweet wind bears it company.
My thoughts float idly over the story of King Chou
My eyes wander over the pictures of Hills and Seas.
At a single glance I survey the whole Universe.
He will never be happy, whom such pleasures fail to please!
Tao Yuanming (365–427)
Translated from the Chinese by Arthur Waley
2 comments:
Beautiful. Thank you. It is good to be reminded of such moods, especially when seated at one's computer at work....
Sam - I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I remember only too well being stuck at a computer at work - I know what it's like.
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