To Tu Fu From Shantung by Li Po
To Tu Fu From Shantung
Li Po
Translated by Sam HamillYou ask how I spend my time–
I nestle against a treetrunk
and listen to autumn winds
in the pines all night and day.Shantung wine can’t get me drunk.
The local poets bore me.
My thoughts remain with you,
like the Wen River, endlessly flowing.
MARGINALIA
Copied this on the back of a tissue paper, after crying all day, talking with a friend about what happened.
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SHARED WITH GRATITUDE
This poem appeared in Endless River: Li Po and Tu Fu: A Friendship in Poetry translated by Sam Hamill, published by Weatherhill, 1993. (Available on: Amazon • Bookshop)
ABOUT LI PO
A Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty, Li Bai (also known as Li Po, Li Pai, Li T’ai-po, and Li T’ai-pai) was probably born in central Asia and grew up in Sichuan Province. He left home in 725 to wander through the Yangtze River Valley and write poetry. He was married four times and was friends with the poet Du Fu. Li Bai wrote occasional verse and poems about his own life. His poetry is known for its clear imagery and conversational tone. His work influenced a number of 20th-century… (more)
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ENDNOTES
- Read more translations by Sam Hamill • Or view more translated poems
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jesse k.
Perfect.