Li Po
Alone, I Pour at Clear Creek River-Rock, and Write to Send to Ch'uan Chao-yi
Bottle in hand,
I climb out on this great rock.
Since Heaven and Earth began
it's stood a thousand feet above the water.
I raise my cup and smile at the sky,
and the Heavens whirl until the sun shines out
of the West!
I could sit here on this rock forever!
hanging my hook like the wise men of old.
At least I'll send this to those who came before
me here:
may the music I make, make harmony with
yours.

transl. by J.P. Seaton