Bai JuYi Poetry
[Po Chu-i]

In English Translation

	An early cricket chirps, then pauses; the dying lamp gutters then flares again. Outside my window I know it is raining-- the leaves of the banana first know its drumming. Translated by David Lunde
	Rain at Night
	North of Solitary Mountain Temple and west of Chia Pavilion the water's surface is flattened by the wet feet of clouds. Early warblers dart and flutter, squabbling amid warm trees; around someone's house new swallows peck mud for their nests. Wildflowers will soon flourish enough to overwhelm one's eyes, but now the shallow grass barely submerges a horse's hooves. I love the east lake most-- I don't come this way often enough; in the shade of green willows lies White Sand Embankment. Translated by David Lunde
	Spring Visit to Chien-Tang Lake
	Remnants of sun ribbon the river-- half and half, black river red. Third night, ninth month lovely hour; pearled dew, bent bow moon. Translated by Matthew Flannery
	Song of the Evening River
	With their arrogant manner, they fill up the road; The horses they ride glisten in the dust. "May I inquire, who might that be?" People say that's a palace eunuch. Those with red sashes are all high ministers; The purple tassels might signify generals. Haughtily they go to dine with the troops, Their prancing horses passing like clouds. Goblets and tankards will overflow with every wine; Water and land have yielded every delicacy. Fresh-picked fruits, and Tung-t'ing oranges; T'ien-ch'ih fish, all scaled and sliced. After gorging themselves, their minds will be at ease; Drunk on wine, their spirits will soar. This year drought devastated the South, And in Ch'u-chou people cannibalized each other. *China's Imperial Past: An Introduction to Chinese History and Culture by Charles O. Hucker.
	The Frivolous Rich
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	15
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