Lines from Laolao Ting Pavilion
by Li Bai (701-762)
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The spring breeze knows partings are bitter;
The willow twig knows it will never be green again.
Shijing Ode #9: “Han Guang”
ancient Chinese rhyming poem circa (1200 BC - 600 BC)
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
In the South tall trees without branches
offer men no shelter.
By the Han the girls loiter,
but it’s vain to entice them.
For the breadth of the Han
cannot be swum
and the length of the Jiang
requires more than a raft.
When cords of firewood are needed,
I would cut down tall thorns to bring them more.
Those girls on their way to their future homes?
I would feed their horses.
But the breadth of the Han
cannot be swum
and the length of the Jiang
requires more than a raft.
When cords of firewood are needed,
I would cut down tall trees to bring them more.
Those girls on their way to their future homes?
I would feed their colts.
But the breadth of the Han
cannot be swum
and the length of the Jiang
requires more than a raft.
A Toast to Uncle Yun
by Li Bai (701-762)
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Water reforms, although we slice it with our swords;
Sorrow returns, although we drown it with our wine.
Featured in New Lyre Issue II
These are my latest Li Bai/Li Po translations, in case anyone is interested...
Quiet Night Thoughts
by Li Bai aka Li Po
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Moonlight illuminates my bed
as frost brightens the ground.
Lifting my eyes, the moon allures.
Lowering my eyes, I long for home.
Lines from Laolao Ting Pavilion
by Li Bai aka Li Po
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
The spring breeze knows partings are bitter;
The willow twig knows it will never be green again.
A Toast to Uncle Yun
by Li Bai aka Li Po
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Water reforms, though we slice it with our swords;
Sorrow returns, though we drown it with our wine.
Li…
Your translations are always a pleasure to read, Michael, and I enjoyed reading these. I especially liked the formatting and the way in which the longer poem, 'Shijing Ode # 9', is bookended by poems with two lines each, that work well despite their brevity. I have just one question regarding the 'Shijing Ode'. Why is the second verse repeated as the third? And is it necessary? I know this happens a lot in songs. So maybe it was originally written to be sung? Either way, your translations serve Li Bai very well!
It is always an honor and a pleasure to be published by The Chained Muse, and comments and suggestions are alway welcome.