Sikong Shu

In dangerous times we two came south;

Now you go north in safety, without me.

But remember my head growing white among strangers,

When you look on the blue of the mountains of home.

...The moon goes down behind a ruined fort,

Leaving star-clusters above an old gate....

There are shivering birds and withering grasses,

Whichever way I turn my face.

With no other neighbour but the quiet night,

Here I live in the same old cottage;

And as raindrops brighten yellow leaves,

The lamp illumines my white head....

Out of the world these many years,

I am ashamed to receive you here.

But you cannot come too often,

More than brother, lifelong friend.

Long divided by river and sea,

For years we two have failed to meet --

And suddenly to find you seems like a dream....

With a catch in the throat, we ask how old we are.

...Our single lamp shines, through cold and wet,

On a bamboo- thicket sheathed in rain;

But forgetting the sadness that will come with tomorrow,

Let us share the comfort of this farewell wine.