About Joy and Loss

--Yu Xuanji (b 843 - executed 863)

(trans. Peter Levitt & Rebecca Nie)

A branch of bay laurel

        blends in elegance with dark mist,

alongside rivers, ten thousand peach trees

        blossom red in the rain.

 

For now, let’s get drunk with celebratory cups of wine

        and leave your sad gazing behind—

from ancient times until now,

        sorrow and joy have been just the same.