Small stream on the slope of Nan Wutaishan in the Zhongnanshan

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My Far South Mountain Villa

Wang Wei 699-759 In middle age         my life's not bad, Late in life         make South Mountain my home. When the mood strikes         I wander here alone, In the void         snubbing work                 knowing myself. I hike to the stream         rest there, Hunker down         watch the clouds                 drift by. By chance          bump into a woodsman, Chat and chuckle         forgetting to go home.

Zhōngnán Biéyè

Wáng Wéi 699-759 Zhōng suì pōhǎo dào, Wǎn jiā Nánshān shuì. Xìng lái hǎi dú wǎng, Shèng shì kōng zìzhī. Xíng dào shuǐ qióng chù, Zuò kàn yún qǐ shí. Ǒurán zhí lín sǒu, Tánxiào wú hái qī.

Translator:

Dongbo 東波

Notes: Wang Wei lived in semi-retirement at his villa in the Far South Mountains. If you wish to see how NOT to translate a poem, take a look at page 129 of Gems of Chinese Verse, translated into 'English' by W. J. B Fletcher, formerly British consul, Hoihow, first printed in 1918. But, he lived in his time, so don't take him to task. Although his verse is turgid, he clearly found beauty and common ground with Chinese poets while sipping a glass of whisky.

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