Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 38 by HAN SHAN

First Line: TWO TURTLES ABOARD AN OX CART
Last Line: ACTING KINDLY THEY GOT STUNG
Subject(s): CHINESE LITERATURE; HOSPITALITY; PUNISHMENT; TURTLES; TORTOISES;

Two turtles aboard an ox cart
took part in a highway drama
a scorpion came alongside
begging desperately for a ride
to refuse would violate goodwill
to accept would weigh them down
in a moment too brief to describe
acting kindly they got stung



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