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The Cold Clear Spring at Nanyang by Li Po (701 - 762) Timeline English version by Rewi Alley Original Language Chinese Taoist 8th Century A pity it is evening, yet I do love the water of this spring seeing how clear it is, how clean; rays of sunset gleam on it, lighting up its ripples, making it one with those who travel the roads; I turn and face the moon; sing it a song, then listen to the sound of the wind amongst the pines.     -- from Li Pai: 200 Selected Poems, Translated by Rewi Alley Amazon.com	Themes   Lover and Beloved   Moon   Sound   Spring Blossom   Water Recommended Books Endless River: Li Po and Tu Fu: A Friendship in Poetry, Translated by Sam Hamill The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry, by Stephen Mitchell Li Pai: 200 Selected Poems, Translated by Rewi Alley Li Po and Tu Fu: Poems, Translated by Arthur Cooper The Poetry of Zen: (Shambhala Library), Edited by Sam Hamill / Edited by J. P. Seaton More >>
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

This verse by the master poet Li Po says so much:

In states of sacred ecstasy, there is often a sense of water -- being filled with water and surrounded by water. This ocean is a living thing, warm, filled with life. It is the true, shoreless self. "...how clear it is, how clean."

The water shines or "gleams" with a golden-white light.

Remember the importance of the moon in sacred poetry, particularly in Eastern writings. The moon, especially the full moon, is awakened awareness, perfectly reflecting the eternal light of the sun. Moon is enlightenment, Buddha-mind.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2009 by Ivan M. Granger.
All other material is copyrighted by the respective authors, translators and/or publishers.