To Goretti; paraphrases of two Chinese poems

(Inspired by the translation of two poems engraved on antique jade plaques, in the collection of Goretti Lee Roberts.)



What delight
taking tea
    in the bower
by the banana plant
    bamboo and fir tree
rustling in rhythm
    with the pitter-patter
of the rain
    the bright moon above

~~~~~~~~

These fine sensible souls
    contentedly resting
where flowers prosper
    after strenuous day's walk
heartfelt pleasure
    upon sight of full moon
presiding over mountains and lakes

mmvii

to the pot susannah likes

Rotund and exhuberant vessel!
vase or bowl you may be
too small for either
meant perhaps to be fondled
though physical integrity suspect
still cleaving despite the cleavage
and made more precious thereby
    here you are boldly declaring
I! instance of the matter that matters
vibrant opposites consonantly engaged
in twain identity attracting and embracing
proving that from difference
springs difference anew
    an occasion for festive jubilation
for such is love
which submits not to degree
and sensible of intensity
comes by degrees
into the province of impulsive embrace
still cleaving despite cleavage
    no doubt an exhuberant vessel
meant to be fondled
made more precious thereby


mmv

Jade Beast

Jade beast
    your mythic power still lives
avatar of human aspirations
    shape of incongruous origins made compatible
animal qualities by kindred to ours
    singularity most harmonious

    kilin    reputed for your gentleness
monstrous artefact of ancient lore and craft
    we owe you awe and reverence
proof of provenance scant
    you are your own authority
recognized by whom you would be seen
    charismatic aura under cloak of anonymity

    "found under bed"!    so i am told
by what freak of providential coincidence
    revealed to present-day consciousness
hidden after long sojourn
    buried in earth
leaping over manifold generations
    white apparition    indicative of great age

    guardian called to defend against wilful chaos
when worldy events run amok
    human pride and greed resulting in discord
which carry misfortune to innocent life

    huge jaws open in challenge
massive haunches crouched in still momentum
    epitome of grace and strength
body-language in any tongue
    may you stand thus on our behalf
as we remain loyal to your purpose
    bequeathing to futurity
benevolence    serenity and precious gift of friendship