Chrysanthemums
--Tao Yuan-Ming (trans. Yang Chi-sing)

The autumn chrysanthemums have the loveliest colors,
Flowers and leaves all moistened with the dew,
I drink this cup of all-forgetful wine,
And so drive all my earthly cares away.
Alone I lift the cup to my lips:
The wine is poured when the cup is empty.
And everything is silent in the setting of the sun;
While the homing birds flock to the woods there is chirping.
Under the east balcony I shout boisterously:
Satisfied now that my humble life can go on.