Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE GRAIN-TRIBUTE, by PO CHU-YI Poet's Biography First Line: There came an officer knocking by night at my door Last Line: To return to others the corn in my great barn. Alternate Author Name(s): Bai Juyi; Bo Juyi; Po Chu-i; Lo T'ien; Jyu-yi Subject(s): China - Tang Dynasty (618-905); Retirement; Taxes; Wages; Salaries | ||||||||
THERE came an officer knocking by night at my door -- In a loud voice demanding grain-tribute. My house-servants dared not wait till the morning, But brought candles and set them on the barn-floor. Passed through the sieve, clean-washed as pearls, A whole cart-load, thirty bushels of grain. But still they cry that it is not paid in full: With whips and curses they goad my servants and boys. Once, in error, I entered public life; I am inwardly ashamed that my talents were not sufficient. In succession I occupied four official posts; For doing nothing, -- ten years' salary! Often have I heard that saying of ancient men That "good and ill follow in an endless chain." And to-day it ought to set my heart at rest To return to others the corn in my great barn. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WORK by ALEKSANDR SERGEYEVICH PUSHKIN HUDSON RIVER ANTHOLOGY by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS ECLOGUE: THE TIMES by WILLIAM BARNES THE PAY ENVELOPE (1) by EDGAR ALBERT GUEST MADLY SINGING IN THE MOUNTAINS by PO CHU-YI |
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