Sending Off a Lord to Guizhou, Demoted to a Magistrate

I don't know the road to Guizhou, but still I send off a former lord
Who's set to travel a thousand miles across the cries of forest apes,
To flutter about like a bird that flies throughout the great five lakes.
The rulers know nothing, the mountains are deep with vulgar hordes:
He's stuck in a foreign land, unable to move for fear of broken brakes.

 

Original Chinese Poem by Liu Changqing

 

Seeking Chang, the Daoist Priest

The entire journey was on foot to this place,
Of moss, more moss, and my footstep’s trace.
White clouds about the banks in a quiet state,
The growing grass has covered the fence’s gate.
 
Passing rain, the pine’s green color in course,
I follow the mountain, to the water’s source.
These river flowers, in a moment’s sensation,
Have brought us to meet in silent meditation.
 
 
Original Chinese Poem
 

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