Before The Cask of Wine
by Li Bai
Li Bai relied on Taoist imagery and vivid expressions in his prose and verse. His great love for liquor and wine is legendary, and we certainly appreciate that.
干杯 Gānbēi
The spring wind comes from the east and quickly passes,
Leaving faint ripples in the wine of the golden bowl.
The flowers fall, flake after flake, myriads together.
You, pretty girl, wine-flushed,
Your rosy face is rosier still.
How long may the peach and plum trees flower
By the green-painted house?
The fleeting light deceives man,
Brings soon the stumbling age.
Rise and dance
In the westering sun
While the urge of youthful years is yet unsubdued!
What avails to lament after one's hair has turned white
like silken threads?
You might also enjoy the eloquent imagery of haiku poetry by Matsuo Basho.
Before The Cask of Wine is featured in our collections of 100 Great Poems and Drink Poems
Return to the Li Bai Home Page, or . . . Read the next poem; Bringing in the Wine
