Epitaph Among Sunflowers

Do not erect cold tombstones over my grave. Plant yellow sunflowers about my grave. Let me look out the endless cornfield Between the sunflower stalks. Think of the yellow sunflowers as my glorious love That resembled the sun. If you see skylark Shooting into the sky from the green cornfield, Think of them as my …

Hills Surround Me

The hills surround me, and Tell me to live my life, Sowing the seeds, Tilling the land. Build a house below a hill, Bear sons, bear daughters; Plant pumpkins along the mud walls. Live like wild roses Live like wormwood. The hills surround me, and Tell me to live like clouds, Tell me to live …

The Ferryboat and the Passenger – Rain

The Ferryboat and the Passenger - Yong-woon Han I am a ferry boat. You're my passenger. You tread on me with muddy feet. I cross the river, hugging you in my arms. When you are in my arms, I do not care Whether the river is deep, shallow or rapid. If you do not come, …

In Praise of Rain

We suffered drought, months without rain. Then, this morning, clouds climbed from the river: misty rain began to drizzle falling in every direction. Birds returned to their nests, forest flowers freshened all their colors. Now, at dusk, the rains continue their song and I want to hear it all night long. -Tu Fu Translated by …