His work influenced a number of 20th-century poets, including Ezra Pound and James Wright. His poetry is known for its clear imagery and conversational tone. Li Bai wrote occasional verse and poems about his own life. He was married four times and was friends with the poet Du Fu. Li Bai was arrested for treason after he was pardoned, he again wandered the Yangtze Valley. He then served the Prince of Yun, who led a revolt after the An Lushan Rebellion of 755. In 742 he was appointed to the Hanlin Academy by Emperor Xuanzong, though he was eventually expelled from court. He left home in 725 to wander through the Yangtze River Valley and write poetry. We met, and travelled together into Sen-Goįrom Poetry Foundation: A Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty, Li Bai (also known as Li Po, Li Pai, Li T’ai-po, and Li T’ai-pai) was probably born in central Asia and grew up in Sichuan Province.

Till we had nothing but thoughts and memories between us.Īnd when separation had come to its worst

If only they could be of that fellowship.Īnd we all spoke out our hearts and minds… Intelligent men came drifting in, from the sea So-Kin of Rakuho, ancient friend, I now rememberīy the south side of the bridge at Ten-Shin. …Oh, at last, when you return through the three Pa districts,Īnd I will come and meet you and will never mind the distance, Hover, two by two, in our west-garden grassesĪnd, because of all this, my heart is breakingĪnd I fear for my bright cheeks, lest they fade. Hidden under moss too deep to sweep away.Īnd the first autumn wind added fallen leaves.Īnd now, in the Eighth-month, yellowing butterflies Were hidden, every one of them, under green moss, Your footprints by our door, where I had watched you go, Through the Gorges of Ch’u-t’ang, of rock and whirling water.Īnd then came the Fifth-month, more than I could bear,Īnd I tried to hear the monkeys in your lofty far-off sky. …Then when I was sixteen, you left on a long journey That even unto death I would await you by my postĪnd would never lose heart in the tower of silent watching. Learning that no dust could ever seal our love, We lived near together on a lane in Ch’ang-kan,Īnd I lowered my head toward a dark cornerĪnd would not turn to your thousand calls īut at fifteen I straightened my brows and laughed, I was picking flowers, playing by my door,Ĭame trotting in circles and throwing green plums. Peach blossom is carried far off by flowing water,Īpart, I have heaven and earth in the human world. I smile, but do not answer, my heart is at leisure. You ask for what reason I stay on the green mountain,

Li bai the selected poems of li po