Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 86 by HAN SHAN

First Line: SO MANY KINDS OF PEOPLE EXIST
Last Line: AND BEHOLD THE THOUGHTLESS MIND
Subject(s): CHINESE LITERATURE; DEATH; GREED; DEAD, THE; AVARICE; CUPIDITY;

So many kinds of people exist
hundreds of plans for profit and fame
hearts intent on glory
always trying to get rich
minds that never rest
rushing about like smoke
dependents gather around
one yell and a hundred heads nod
but less than seventy years from now
ice becomes water and roof tiles break
dead at last all cares cease
who will be their heir
drop a ball of mud in water
and behold the thoughtless mind



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