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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 124 by HAN SHAN

First Line: I ONCE KNEW A FOOLISH MAN
Last Line: A DONKEY KNOWS PAIN IS CLOSE BEHIND
Subject(s): CHINESE LITERATURE; IGNORANCE; WEALTH; DULLNESS; STUPDITY; RICHES; FORTUNES;

I once knew a foolish man
who managed to wed two or three wives
and raise eight or nine sons
all of them carefree lads
but those of age are now draftees
and his wealth isn't what it was
when its crupper is yellow cork
a donkey knows pain is close behind



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