4.5
Ahhhh good poetry

I think this has officially become one of my favorite collections of writing I ever read. I sent some of my poems to an old college, creative writing teacher of mine, and he told me my work reminded him of Li Po. I was intrigued because I had never heard of the this ancient Chinese poet before.

There is a resemblance between his work and mine. There’s a strong spiritual natures within these verses, the yearning of wind—the awe of mountains. He also seems to enjoy writing of wine, and nights spent in drunken revelry.

This poetry has filled a hole in my heart I didn’t know I had. He ages throughout the collection of poetry, to a old man with white hair... He’s had his share of grief, joy, yet you see Nirvana within this poet’s eyes that he blesses you the reader with too, exceptional stuff.

Li Po’s lyrical meditations on mortality, nature, enjoyment of brief delights, encounters, and friendships, and horrors of war, to name only a few, are simply beautiful.

Follow Tao, and nothing is old,
Lose it and the ruins of age return

Amen!

These are wonderful poems.
I first read one (Zazen on Ching-T'ing Mountain) as a child playing a sci-fi video game - and it stuck in my head. I was delighted to find that poem included in this volume.

They are short and relaxing to read. Many describe the incredible beauty of the Chinese landscape, as Li Po wanders around drinking, socializing and writing.

They have many layers, as they are infused with Taoist philosophy. I suspect I could read them again as I learn more about Taoism and enjoy them to an even greater extent.

Li Po is known as one of the greatest Chinese poets for good reason. Very glad to be able to read these.

Beautiful Verses to Bring On Serenity

His appreciation for the Beauties of Nature encourages a stillness in the Soul we don’t find in many places today.

Shih has the perfect voice to enhance the experience. Very comforting.

Li Po's poems use pivotal words to soak the reader in strong feelings. Some are wistful, some longing, some seem like he is drifting on a wind. I like the later poems the best.

Heartbreakingly beautiful. Such poetry spans time and brings Li Po alive.

Probably my favorite poet of all time. A recent reread when I was stuck at home with a cold.

God Poems .. Trying for independent translations

The poem " Amusing Myself "

Facing my wine, I did not see the dusk,
Falling blossoms have filled the folds of my clothes.
Drunk, I rise and approach the moon in the stream,
Birds are far off, people too are few.

Li Po

and the Translation in Malayalam

എന്റെയീ
മദിരാ ചഷകത്തിനപ്പുറം
ഞാനറിയാതൊടുങ്ങും
പ്രദോഷം,
ചേലഞൊറികളില്‍
പൂത്തുലയും വസന്തം !
ഒടുവിലത്തെ
കിളി യൊച്ചയും,
ആള്‍ക്കൂട്ടവും
നിലച്ച ര��വില്‍
അരുവിയില്‍ വീഴും
ചാന്ദ്രമുഖം തിരഞ്ഞു
വേച്ചു പോകുന്നു ഞാന്‍
മദിരോന്മത്തം !!

Some poem translations superb some just all right. 5 stars for Li Po but which one? — There are as many as there are translators.

Divine poetry