Seeing Off Hermit Wen Back to Former Residence, White Goose Peak in the Yellow Mountains -- Li Bai

Thousands of feet high tower the Yellow Mountains
With thirty-two magnificent peaks,
Blooming like golden lotus flowers
Amidst red crags and rock columns.

Once I was on the lofty summit,
Admiring Tianmu Pine below.
The place is still traceable where the immortal
Before ascending to heaven, made elixir of jade.

Now you embark on your journey there alone-
Another Wen Boxue I happened to meet-
Who had been to Five Mountains for nature's beauty,
Leaving behind countless ranges of hills.

Homeward you go back to White Goose Ridge,
Back to drink from your elixir well.
If by chance I pay you a visit,
I expect to be met by your light carriage.

Eastwards from Lingyang you bend your steps,
And pick your way through fragrant bushes,
Many streams and many fords,
Peaks upon peaks shutting out the sky
That's where I'll call you on another day
Across a bridge that spans cliffs like a rainbow.

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Poem selected by Dawn Stanton, translator unknown.

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The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762) was born in Suiye, China. His family moved to Jiangyou (170 km from Chengdu) when he was 5 years old. Li Bai left Jiangyou at the age of 20 and traveled throughout much of his life.

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