x

Around my garden the little wall is low;

In the bailiff’s lodge the lists are seldom checked.

I am ashamed to think we were not always kind;

I regret your labours, that will never be repaid.

The caged bird owes no allegiance;

The wind-tossed flower does not cling to the tree.

Where tonight she lies none can give us news;

Nor any knows, save the bright watching moon.

x

Bai JuYi

771-846

reprinted from allpoetry.com