Tu Fu

The cherry trees in full bloom at Arashiyama are viewed from the southern bank of Hozu River, facing east. The rafts used to shoot the rapids of Hozu Gorge are gathered on the southern bank at Arashiyama, where the flow becomes gentle. Togetsu Bridge is visible in the distance to the left




The stone pavement of Hakone Kyukaido seen from a slightly lower location than the Yumoto Chaya. The mountain in the distance is Futagoyama. The pine tree in the picture does not remain at present. An electric pole can be seen, so this photo was taken after 1892 when electricity came to Yumoto

 

Written on the wall at Chang’s hermitage

 

It is Spring in the mountains.
I come alone seeking you.
The sound of chopping wood echoes
Between the silent peaks.
The streams are still icy.
There is snow on the trail.
At sunset I reach your grove

In the stony mountain pass.
You want nothing, although at night
You can see the aura of gold
And silver ore all around you.
You have learned to be gentle
As the mountain deer you have tamed.
The way back forgotten, hidden
Away, I become like you,
An empty boat, floating, adrift.

 

Tu Fu

 

 

 

 

From Songs of Love Moon and Wind by Ken Rexroth, click here to see more details about the book.


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