I was born in a time of peace - Cai Yan

I was born in a time of peace,

But later the mandate of Heaven

Was withdrawn from Han Dynasty.

Heaven was pitiless.

It sent down confusion and separation.

Earth was pitiless.

It brought me to birth in such a time.

War was everywhere. Every road was dangerous.

Soldiers and civilians everywhere

Fleeing death and suffering.

Smoke and dust obscured the land

Overrun by the ruthless Tartar bands.

Our people lost their will-power and integrity.

I can never learn the ways of the barbarians.

I am daily subject to violence and insult.

I sing one stanza to my lute and a Tartar horn.

But no one knows my agony and grief.

---

Cai Yan [Cai Wenji, or Ts’ai Yen] (c. 178 – c. 249) China

Translated by Kenneth Rexroth and Ling Chung

Source: Poetry Lover