January 21st, 2018

I climbed Hsien Summit
in search of the past
from the heights
I gazed on Hsiangyang
the sky was so clear
I could see the far peaks
the river was so low
sandbars appeared
I imagined river maidens
fingering pearls
and I recalled drunk Magistrate Shan
my sighs gave rise
to thoughts about autumn
while the pine trees sang in the evening wind.

Li Pai (701-762)