Tag: chinese

Each a petalled parade of trees. In succession,
processing through warmer days, fleeing
before Spring winds. Every frail and pretty
pastel has pathos enough to break a heart.
Then leaves break through
– and there’s an end of it.

I want to celebrate, like at a wake. Half funeral
half christening, libations for the infant’s head.
Halcyon* these heydays.
Fledglings on a weeping willow bough
swift, electric blue as lightning
where the winding river hides ahead.
This boat bears no honours in its wash
just a hidebound passenger travelling through.
If joy is there for all the world to see
then why such poignancy, in every passing place?

Halcyon – the Latin/Greek name for Kingfisher

“Each piece of flying blossom leaves spring the less,
I grieve as myriad points float in the wind.
I watch the last ones move before my eyes,
And cannot have enough wine pass my lips.
Kingfishers nest by the little hall on the river,
Unicorns lie at the high tomb’s enclosure.
Having studied the world, one must seek joy,
For what use is the trap of passing honour?

Winding River ~ Du Fu