Why the fuss

Minding the Swimming Fish by Bai Juyi

Circling the pond at a leisurely pace, watching the fish swim.
Just then, meet children preparing their fishing boat.
Though we share a love for fish, our hearts' intents don't match:
I came to feed, you came to drop your hook.

Bai Juyi had a reputation for composing very simple poems. After writing a new poem, he would recite it to some illiterate old lady and ask if she understood. If she didn't understand any part of the poem, he would edit it until she did.


Dedication: Late-coming Dove Small Home

Living on a mountain, how can one be late?
Quietly waiting for the peace dove.
Asking when the dove will arrive,
The master smiles and does not reply.
Spring warmth, flowers compete in bloom.
Summer lengthens, take in the coolness.
On the sea, wind and waves abound.
At mountain top, clouds and fog mix.
The small home's doors are often closed,
Outside the doors, the grass is colored wild.

My friend built a house on Yangming Mountain. I wrote this poem to congratulate him on the new building.