Welcome to the 51st Virtual Poetry Circle.
Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.
Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.
Let’s return to a classic poet. Li Po is one of the most well-known Chinese poets:
Alone and Drinking Under the Moon
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.
Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence.
I’ve you missed the other Virtual Poetry Circles, check them out here. It’s never too late to join the discussion.
Serena – I just wanted to thank you again for putting together a wonderful blogger dinner! The food and conversation were fabulous, and I know I really enjoyed meeting you, Alyce and ‘Kritter.’ *grin* Take care!
I had a great time as well. I even blogged about the dinner today!
Great poem! There’s definitely an element of sadness and loneliness in this one. For me, it seems to convey a message of wanting to embrace being alone but not quite knowing how.
I really enjoy this poem more each time I read it. It’s one of my favorites. There is a deep sadness in his lines about how the moon and his shadow are his only friends, but he’s still happy that he has them. I think its a testament to how we should each be grateful for what we do have and not worry so much about what we do not.
What a beautiful poem! It’s sad that his only friends were the moon and his shadow, but well, at least that comforted him.
I really like this poem. Theres something sad about it, ‘Amongst the flowers I
am alone with my pot of wine drinking by myself;’…but the image of the moon and her shadow, its almost hopeful. Thanks for sharing!