Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World

About T'ao Ch'ien

Timeline (365 - 427)

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English version by
J. P. Seaton

Original Language
Chinese

Success and failure? No known address.

Themes

Death

Fire

Sun

Wine

Recommended Books

	The Selected Poems of T'ao Ch'ien, Translated by David Hinton
	Sunflower Splendor: Three Thousand Years of Chinese Poetry, Edited by Wu-chi Liu / Edited by Irving Yucheng Lo

Success and failure? No known address.
This or that goes on, depending on the other.
And who can say if Milord Shao was happier
ruling a city, or sacked, his excellent melon patch?
Hot, cold, summer, winter: don't they alternate?
Mayn't a man's way wander on just so?
Yes, those who "get there" know their opportunities...
have learned to untie the knots of knowledge.
But was it the notable or the notorious that our Sage spoke of?
The latter he called opportunists. Those who get there, doubtless,
know doubt nor care no more. Yet, doubt you not, nor do dead generals,
who plotted carefully at what seemed opportune,
and knew naught, right or wrong.
If, of a sudden, you're offered fine wine,
let the sun sink. Enjoy it.

-- from The Shambhala Anthology of Chinese Poetry, Edited by J. P. Seaton

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Poetry Chaikhana Sacred Poetry from Around the World

About T'ao Ch'ien

Poetry Chaikhana
Sacred Poetry from Around the World