Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS WITH A LITTLE DANCING GIRL, AGED FIFTEEN by PO CHU-YI

First Line: TWO TOP-KNOTS NOT YET PLAITED INTO ONE
Last Line: WHEN THERE'S NO ONE HERE WITH A HEART FOR YOU TO BREAK!
Subject(s): CHINA - TANG DYNASTY (618-905); LOVE - AGE DIFFERENCES;

TWO top-knots not yet plaited into one.
Of thirty years -- just beyond half.
You who are really a lady of silks and satins
Are now become my hill and stream companion!
At the spring fountains together we splash and play:
On the lovely trees together we climb and sport.
Her cheeks grow rosy, as she quickens her sleeve-dancing:
Her brows grow sad, as she slows her song's tune.
Don't go singing the song of the Willow Branches,
When there's no one here with a heart for you to break!



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