Often a man's life is such <br />that he seldom sees his friends, <br />like the constellations Shen and Shang <br />which never share the same sky. <br />If not this evening, then what evening <br />should we share this lamp light? <br />How long can our youth and vigor last? <br />The hair at our temples is already gray. <br />We inquire about old acquaintances <br />to find that half are ghosts-- <br />shocked cries betray <br />the torment of our hearts. <br />How could I have known <br />that it would be twenty years <br />before I again entered <br />your honored home. <br />When we parted last <br />you were yet unmarried; <br />now your sons and daughters <br />line up in a smiling row <br />to greet their father's friend. <br />They ask whence I have come <br />but before I can answer all questions <br />you chase them off <br />to bring wine and cups. <br />In the night rain, chives are cut <br />for the freshly steamed rice <br />mixed with yellow millet. <br />Saying how difficult it has been <br />for us to meet at last, <br />you pour ten cups in a row! <br />But even after ten cups <br />I'm not drunk, being so moved <br />by your lasting friendship. <br />Tomorrow we will be separated <br />by the peaks of mountains, <br />each of our worldly affairs <br />lost to the other's sight.<br /><br />Du Fu<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/poem-for-wei-ba/
