DRINKING ALONE WITH THE MOON

From a pot of wine among the flowers

I drank alone.

There was no one with me —

Till, raising my cup, I asked the bright moon

To bring me my shadow and make us three.

Alas, the moon was unable to drink,

And my shadow tagged me vacantly;

But still for a while I had these friends

To cheer me through the end of spring…

I sang. The moon encouraged me.

I danced. My shadow tumbled after.

As long as I knew, we were boon companions.

And then I was drunk, and we lost one another.

… Shall goodwill ever be secure?

I watch the long road of the River of Stars.

Li Po