Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BEING VISITED BY A FRIEND DURING ILLNESS, by PO CHU-YI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BEING VISITED BY A FRIEND DURING ILLNESS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I have been ill so long that I do not count the days
Last Line: Gradually the feelings came back to my numbed heart.
Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi
Subject(s): China - Tang Dynasty (618-905); Sickness; Illness


I HAVE been ill so long that I do not count the days;
At the southern window, evening -- and again evening.
Sadly chirping in the grasses under my eaves
The winter sparrows morning and evening sing.
By an effort I rise and lean heavily on my bed;
Tottering I step towards the door of the courtyard.
By chance I meet a friend who is coming to see me;
Just as if I had gone specially to meet him.
They took my couch and placed it in the setting sun;
They spread my rug and I leaned on the balcony-pillar.
Tranquil talk was better than any medicine;
Gradually the feelings came back to my numbed heart.





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