Rain

Since I lived a stranger in the City of Hsün-yang 

Hour by hour bitter rain has poured. 

On few days has the dark sky cleared; 

In listless sleep I have spent much time. 

The lake has widened till it almost joins the sky; 

The clouds sink till they touch the water’s face. 

Beyond my hedge I hear the boatmen’s talk; 

At the street-end I hear the fisher’s song. 

Misty birds are lost in yellow air; 

Windy sails kick the white waves. 

In front of my gate the horse and carriage-way 

In a single night has turned into a river-bed.