You have seen the blossoms among the leaves;

by Han-shan (Cold Mountain)

English version by Burton Watson
Original Language Chinese

You have seen the blossoms among the leaves;
tell me, how long will they stay?
Today they tremble before the hand that picks them;
tomorrow they wait someone's garden broom.

Wonderful is the bright heart of youth,
but with the years it grows old.
Is the world not like these flowers?
Ruddy faces, how can they last?


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