from Phoenix Undying

Kuo Mo-Jo (trans. W. C. Williams)

Ah!

Our floating and inconstant life

Is like a delirious dream in a dark night.

Before us is sleep,

Behind us is sleep;

It comes like the fluttering wind,

It comes like the trailing smoke;

Enters like wind,

Departs like smoke.

Behind us: sleep,

Before us: sleep.

In the mist of our sleep we appear

Like the momentary wind and smoke.