This poem from Mountain Home: the Wilderness poetry of ancient China, selected and translated by David Hinton, published by Counterpoint Washington DC in the year 2002 ISBN +1-058-243-1493
This poem written by Tao Ch'ien (Tao Qian, 5th ce)
titled "In reply to Mulberry-Bramble Liu"
In this meager home, guests rare,
I often forget I'm surrounded by turning seasons.
And now falling leaves litter courtyard emptiness
I grow sadder realizing it's Autumn already.
Fresh sunflower thickets fill north windows
Sweet grains in south fields ripen.
Though I'm far from happy, I know next year may never come.
"Get the kids together," I call to my wife,
"it's a perfect day for a nice long walk."
