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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


REJOICING AT THE ARRIVAL OF CH'EN HSIUNG by PO CHU-YI

First Line: WHEN THE YELLOW BIRD'S NOTE WAS ALMOST STOPPED
Last Line: FOR IT MAKES US TELL THE STORY OF OUR WHOLE LIVES.
Subject(s): CHINA - TANG DYNASTY (618-905); DRINKS & DRINKING; FRIENDSHIP; WINE;

WHEN the yellow bird's note was almost stopped;
And half formed the green plum's fruit;
Sitting and grieving that spring things were over,
I rose and entered the Eastern Garden's gate.
I carried my cup and was dully drinking alone:
Suddenly I heard a knocking sound at the door.
Dwelling secluded, I was glad that someone had come;
How much the more, when I saw it was Ch'en Hsiung!
At ease and leisure, -- all day we talked;
Crowding and jostling, the feelings of many years.
How great a thing is a single cup of wine!
For it makes us tell the story of our whole lives.



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