Poetry Pick

TRAVELLING ON THE WINTER RIVER by Tu Fu (712–770) China

A red sun against dark clouds pleases Heaven. The river and its brooks grow from the same Stone roots. Cold currents trace the scars A scarlet dawn leaves on still waters. The philosopher’s tears come easy here. The exiled poet’s ghost will not return. Waves increase as evening deepens. I’ll rest my oars tonight to sleep … in whose home? Translated by James Deahl in The River’s Stone Roots, Serengeti Press, 2005

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