An Untrustworthy Translation of Du Fu's In Abbot Zan's Study, Poem #3
Insomnia
is defined by lamplight and shadows.
Heart
and mind are clear, I inhale the incense.
The
halls are quiet except for fluttering draughts.
As a
chain of moments unwinds in my mind
springtime
awaits me in the watered courtyards.
Outside
the Earth is hidden in a fragrant night
from my
window I see the stars of the Jade Rope
setting.
An iron phoenix is about to rise –
the
Sanskrit scrolls have unrolled their sutras
and the
hour is leaving the temple – a bell rings
echoing
and diminishing washing around my cot.
The
heat of the morning falls on the fields.
The
yellow earth is drying in the bright day.
--Wulf Losee
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