A jade cup was broken because old age came
too soon to give fulfilment to hopes; after drinking
three cups of wine I wiped my sword and
started to dance under an autumn moon first
singing in a high voice then unable to halt
tears coming; I remember the day when first
I was summoned to court and I was feasted splendidly
writing poems in praise of the Emperor, making
jokes with officials around several times changing
my horse, taking the best from the
imperial stables; with my whip studded with
jade and coral presented to me by the Emperor,
my life was free and easy, people calling me
the "Banished Immortal." Hsi Shih was good
at smiling as well as frowning, useless
for ordinary girls to try and imitate her.
Surely it was only her loveliness the king adored,
but unfortunately jealousy within the palace
led to her death.
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Comments2This poem really resonated with me as it beautifully captures the passing of time and the feeling of nostalgia. The imagery of the jade cup is such a powerful representation of things becoming delicate and fragile with age. The poem tells the tale of the highs and lows of one's life, and it's a reminder to cherish our own moments of joy and accomplishments. The emotion woven through it is incredibly moving.
To be honest, I wasn't very impressed by this piece. I remember reading this kind of thing during my younger days and it just doesn't hit the same anymore. Guess it's just not my cup of tea.