The Jade Mountain/Setting Sail on the Yang-tsze

by Wei Yingwu

SETTING SAIL ON THE YANG-TSZE

To Secretary Yüan

 

Wistful, away from my friends and kin,Through mist and fog I float arid floatWith the sail that bears me toward Lo-yang.In Yang-chou trees linger bell-notes of evening,Marking the day and the place of our parting. . . .When shall we meet again and where?. . . Destiny is a boat on the waves,Borne to and fro, beyond our will.