AT Ch'ang-an -- a full foot of snow; A levee at dawn -- to bestow congratulations on the Emperor. Just as I was nearing the Gate of the Silver Terrace, After I had left the suburb of Hsin-ch'ang On the high causeway my horse's foot slipped; In the middle of the journey my lantern suddenly went out. Ten leagues riding, always facing to the North; The cold wind almost blew off my ears. I waited for the bell outside the Five Gates; I waited for the summons within the Triple Hall. My hair and beard were frozen and covered with icicles; My coat and robe -- chilly like water. Suddenly I thought of Hsien-yu Valley And secretly envied Ch'en Chu-shih, In warm bed-socks dozing beneath the rugs And not getting up till the sun has mounted the sky. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...YOUR MISSION by ELLEN M. HUNTINGTON GATES SA-CA-GA-WE-A; THE INDIAN GIRL WHO GUIDED LEWIS AND CLARK by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR TO - (3) by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY THE POWER OF MUSIC by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH |