An autumn wind blows over the earth, <br />The grasses die, <br />Mount Hua becomes a sapphire shadow <br />In the chill of dusk, <br />Though I have reached my twentieth year, <br />I've missed my goal. <br />My whole heart sad and withered <br />As a dying orchid. <br /> <br />Clothes like the feathers of a flying guail, <br />Horse like a hound. <br />Where the road forks I beat my sword <br />With a brazen roar. <br />Dismounting at a tavern I shed <br />My autumn gown, <br />Wishing to pledge it for a jar <br />Of Yi-yang wine. <br /> <br />Deep in the jar I called on Heaven <br />No clouds rolled back, <br />The white day stretched a thousand leagues, <br />Cold and forlorn, <br />My host urged me to cultivate <br />Both body and soul, <br />Nor care at all if the vulgar crowd <br />Made mock of me.<br /><br />Li He<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/throwing-off-my-sadness/
