Reading The Book of Mountains and Seas I
- Poetry of Tao Yuanming

When elders talked of bygone years,

Displeased, I would shut up my ears.

But fifty years have gone by now,

And time writes wrinkles on my brow.

I would recall youthful delight,

But I can find no pleasure slight.

Far, far away are bygone days.

Could I relive in olden ways?

To drink my fill I'd spare no gold;

I would keep pace with days grown old.

I'd leave no money for my sons;

There's no need if they're worthy ones.