Partridge Sky

Partridge Sky

forest groves cut off mountain dawn, bamboo hides the walls,

cicadas’ hubbub fades in grass by the small pond—

white birds appear reeling & reeling again through the sky,

lotus shines vermilion, its delicate scent on the water—

past the cottages,

near the ancient city,

I stroll quietly on goosefoot cane, turning to the oblique light—

thanks to yesterday’s midnight rain

I get another cool day in this drifting life

Translation by Jack Hayes

© 2017

based on Su Shi: 鷓鴣天

zhè gū tiān

Many thanks as always to Sheila Graham-Smith for her helpful suggestions.

Image links to its source on Wiki Commons:

“Autumn Skies Part”: Guo Xi. Song Dynasty – Public domain