草 Grass

草

白居易

离离原上草，一岁一枯荣。

野火烧不尽，春风吹又生。

远芳侵古道，晴翠接荒城。

又送王孙去，萋萋满别情。

Translation:

Grass

Bai Juyi

The grass has grown thick on the Plain.
Each year it turns yellow, then green.
Bushfires cannot wipe it out;
In the spring breeze it grows back again.
It has invaded the Ancient Pavement,
Stretching all the way to Ruined Town.
wher I’m saying adieu to you, my friend,
As my sadness and the pricky feel of grass blend.

Introduction to the Poet:

Bai Juyi [772- 846 also known as Bo Juyi and Po Chuyi ] uses very simple language, and is therefore particularly accessible for the beginner. He wrote in the Mid-Tang period and was one of the most prolific of all Chinese poets, but is best known for his short occasional verses written in simple language.