CHINESE POEM

CHINESE POEM

"But who so wise as to embark in search of Lan Li,

Solitary in the mist and water of the Five Lakes,

forgetful of the world?"

- WEN T'ING-YUN, At the Ferry South of Lin-chou.

The early morning view's revealed

like silken Chinese painting now-

its hues subdued,

sky misted by light cloud,

lake water tranquil,

and scarcely touched by a moving detail:

a fishing boat or ferry faraway.

All trees are still,

each difference of green

brings gentle contrasts, subtly outlining

the forms of foliage upon the island;

while further away

the plateau's low hills

are blue-grayed

to lighter tones.

An occasional

black water-bird's wings

are silhouetted by the flash

and sparkle of bright ripples.

And strange to read, just now,

a poem from past time,

and glance up, seeing its serenity-

nature's early morning

Chinese calm.