One of the best known classical Chinese poets, Li Po's about 2/3 legend and it's unclear how many of the poems attributed to him he actual wrote. Whatever the sources, the poems included here in a translation that reads beautifully (I have no clue about how it relates to the Chinese) give a clear sense of the Zen/Taoist clarity of vision recorded during the wanderings through China's mountains and gorges during a period of serious unrest during the T'ang dynasty.

This book of poetry gave me more blissful shivers per page than anything else I've read.

3,5 stars; some gems here, between a lot of so-so poetry;

"A SUMMER DAY IN THE MOUNTAINS"

Flourishing a white-feather fan lazily,
I go naked in green forests.

Soon, I’ve hung my cap on a cliff,
set my hair loose among pine winds.


"THOUGHTS IN NIGHT QUIET"

Seeing moonlight here at my bed,
and thinking it’s frost on the ground,

I look up, gaze at the mountain moon,
then back, dreaming of my old home.

Legend says that Li Bai (Li Po) drowned by trying to embrace the reflection of the moon on the water. Since he lived in the 8th century CE, we won't ever know how true this is, but it's a pretty great story, and not necessarily a bad way to go, all things considered

Wildly profound and exceptionally beautiful. Li Po was a genius, a man of nature, a philosopher, and a walker of light. His work is amazing and it is the type of writing that you can refer back to countless times, discovering more, and more insights each and every time. His work is timeless, as he uses nature as a vehicle to help us further understand about what it means to be alive and to live in harmony with the universe around us. Despite Li Po's work taking place centuries ago, the insights are timeless, and I found myself reflecting on my life many times.

Stylistically, Li Po's work is very straightforward, but also dense in the sense that he describes how different beautiful, and everlasting concepts are interwoven. I found myself wanting to read the book in the original language it was written just to see how his writing differs, because I'm sure that it's even better. Li Po brings a light energy to unforgiving times as he navigates the world around him, finding fun within what others would describe as adverse or mundane. Through his writing, it is clear that Li Po is a beautiful example of what it means to walk with the divine.

There is also specs of love poetry sprinkled throughout Li Po's work. Where he describes his love in a mysterious, and reflective way. I found it very relatable as I read about his journey through love, longing, and the search for everlasting comfort within someone else.

Although I have tried very hard to enjoy poetry to the degree that others do, so far I have not succeeded. Personally, I would give this book two stars, but objectively I think it deserves at least four stars (not that I'm the best judge). Li Po's poems are really great at giving an insight into the past and what life was like. These poems also are very successful at giving a sense of beauty in the environment and the other topics. They convey a variety of different emotions very well, such as loneliness at the departure of a friend or over, as well as passion when talking about what seems to have been Li Po's main hobby, drinking. Overall, the book is a good read for any poetry fans or someone like me who would just like to learn more about authentic ancient Chinese poetry.

Li Poems

Los poetas chinos son mis favoritos. Escriben cosas cotidianas tan bellas, como ver un paisaje en primera persona cuando sólo ves una gran pintura frente a ti. Sutil. Elegante. Y sencillo. Li Po es uno de mis poetas favoritos, trae calma al corazón de uno.

This is one of my favorite poetry collections ever. Li Po's work is so deceptively peaceful, so beautifully centered...thanks for the brilliant translation, too. I never tire of this book.

read them in Hebrew translated by Dan Daor who was the greatest translator from chinese and great friend

Evaluating poetry in translation is always tough. I can really only imagine the layers of musicality and wordplay you could achieve with a tonal language. For me, this translation felt a little flat, especially given the poet's reputation.

As far as the content goes, the imagery is lovely, if more than a little repetitive. I get strong Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam vibes.

Point value - 1 (Poetry collection)

Calm and peaceful.