Li Po - Drinking under the moon - a series
These poems are translated by Robert Payne in collaboration with Chinese scholars. I love the third poem, probably the only hangover poem I know! Drinking Alone Under Moonlight Holding a jug of wine among the flowers, And drinking alone, not a soul keeping me company, I raise my cup and invite the moon to drink with me, And together with my shadow we are three. But the moon does not know the joy of drinking, And my shadow only follows me about. Nevertheless I shall have them as my companions, For one should enjoy life at such a time. The moon loiters as I sing my songs, My shadow looks confused as I dance. I drink with them when I am awake And part with them when I am drunk. Henceforward may we always be feasting, And may we meet in the Cloudy River of Heaven. *Cloudy River of Heaven - milky way Drinking Alone in Moonlight If Heaven had no love for wine, There would be no Wine Star in Heaven; If earth had no love for wine, There would be no city calle