Hsin Ch'i Chi (1140-1207)

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TO AN OLD TUNE

In my young days I never
Tasted sorrow. I wanted
To become a famous poet.
I wanted to get ahead
So I pretended to be sad.
Now I am old and have known
The depths of every sorrow,
And I am content to loaf
And enjoy the clear Autumn.

               (translated by Kenneth Rexroth)

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Revised: February 11, 2000