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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 109 by HAN SHAN

First Line: MANDARIN DUCKS ROOST FOR THE NIGHT
Last Line: THEY DON'T USURP THE PHOENIX'S LAKE
Subject(s): CHINESE LITERATURE; DUCKS; PHOENIX (MYTHICAL BIRD); MALLARDS; DRAKES;

Mandarin ducks roost for the night
a hen along with a drake
they bring each other flowers to eat
then take turns preening their mate
off they fly to play in the mist
returning to sleep on the shore
content with the place they live
they don't usurp the phoenix's lake



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