The Moon over the West River

Su Shi

Wavelet on wavelet glimmers by the shore;

Cloud on cloud dimly appears in the sky.

Unsaddled is my white-jadelike horse;

Drunk, asleep in the sweet grass I'll lie.

My horse's hoofs may break, I’m afraid,

The breeze-rippled brook paved by moonlit jade.

I tether my horse to a bough of green willow

Near the bridge where I pillow

My head on arms and sleep till the cuckoo's song awakes

A spring daybreak