by Hsieh Ling-yun （Translated by Sam Hamill）

    Beside this dike¹， I shake off the world's dust，

    enjoying walks alone near my brushwood house.

    A small stream gurgles down a rocky gorge².

    Mountains rise beyond the trees，

    kingfisher blue， almost beyond description，

    but reminding me of the fisherman's simple life.

    From a grassy³ bank， I listen

    as springtime fills my heart.

    Finches call and answer in the oaks.

    Deer cry out， then return to munching⁴ weeds.

    I remember men who knew a hundred sorrows，

    and the gratitude⁵ they felt for gifts.

    Joy and sorrow pass， each by each，

    failure at one moment， happy success the next.

    But not for me. I have chosen freedom

    from the world's cares. I chose simplicity⁶.

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