Alone And Drinking Under The Moon

Portrait of Li Po
Li Po 701–762

Amongst the flowers I am alone with my pot of wine drinking by myself; then lifting my cup I asked the moon to drink with me, its reflection and mine in the wine cup, just the three of us; then I sigh for the moon cannot drink, and my shadow goes emptily along with me never saying a word; with no other friends here, I can but use these two for company; in the time of happiness, I too must be happy with all around me; I sit and sing and it is as if the moon accompanies me; then if I dance, it is my shadow that dances along with me; while still not drunk, I am glad to make the moon and my shadow into friends, but then when I have drunk too much, we all part; yet these are friends I can always count on these who have no emotion whatsoever; I hope that one day we three will meet again, deep in the Milky Way.

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  1. Hatsumiyo-chan United States

    this poem is one of my favorites. this has always been soemthing i've wanted to do, and often almost do just as this poem says. i don't have many friends, so i can understand making your surroundings your friends...

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