Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AN EARLY LEVEE ADDRESSED TO CH'EN, THE HERMIT, by PO CHU-YI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AN EARLY LEVEE ADDRESSED TO CH'EN, THE HERMIT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: At ch'ang-an - a full foot of snow
Last Line: And not getting up till the sun has mounted the sky.
Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi
Subject(s): China - Tang Dynasty (618-905)


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.





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