Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE POEMS OF PICKUP: 10, by HAN SHAN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE POEMS OF PICKUP: 10, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: People who leave home want to be free
Last Line: I can't laugh at you
Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan
Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Disappointment; Freedom; Home; Monks; Liberty


People who leave home want to be free
freedom is what they prize
but why do those beyond the dust
enter the dust once more
oblivious to their own minds
they work all day for profit and fame
and if profit or fame should find them
by then they're worn and haggard
but most of the time they fail
making pointless their old aim
poor useless people
I can't laugh at you





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