Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BEING VISITED BY A FRIEND DURING ILLNESS by PO CHU-YI

First Line: I HAVE BEEN ILL SO LONG THAT I DO NOT COUNT THE DAYS
Last Line: GRADUALLY THE FEELINGS CAME BACK TO MY NUMBED HEART.
Subject(s): CHINA - TANG DYNASTY (618-905); SICKNESS; ILLNESS;

I HAVE been ill so long that I do not count the days;
At the southern window, evening -- and again evening.
Sadly chirping in the grasses under my eaves
The winter sparrows morning and evening sing.
By an effort I rise and lean heavily on my bed;
Tottering I step towards the door of the courtyard.
By chance I meet a friend who is coming to see me;
Just as if I had gone specially to meet him.
They took my couch and placed it in the setting sun;
They spread my rug and I leaned on the balcony-pillar.
Tranquil talk was better than any medicine;
Gradually the feelings came back to my numbed heart.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net