Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 117 by HAN SHAN

First Line: I DEPLORE THIS VULGAR PLACE
Last Line: WE SOON SEE IF IT'S GOLD OR BASE
Subject(s): CHINESE LITERATURE; DECEPTION; TAOISM;

I deplore this vulgar place
where demons dwell with worthies
they say they're the same
but is the Tao impartial
a fox might borrow a lion's mien
and claim the disguise is real
but once lead ore enters the furnace
we soon see if it's gold or base



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