on hearing of a friend's return from war

[lacrimange]

today i present my humble reinterpretation of a timeless classical chinese poem written by Wang Jian, circa 830 AD. the original work is understood to be in the public domain now. i've entitled this "On Hearing of a Friend's Return from War" to differentiate it a bit from the original 1919 Waley translation. all credit to original poet Wang Jian (also seen as Wang Chien) and pioneering translator, Arthur Waley. _lacrimange

On Hearing of a Friend's Return from War

one year's leave, for three at the front
such was the rule, in days long gone

not so now - no one relieves the battle-worn
who fight til either strength or life have done

i've thought of you, still in your boyish state
trying in vain to master your march and drill

sooner the skies should fall, it seemed
than a young man should come home

since word of your return has reached my ear
i've ridden twice to the high halls of your home

to where your brother's fixing your horse's stall
and your mother's sewing new clothes for you

though i'm half afraid it could be untrue
i keep an eye out for you, down the road

waiting each day beyond the city gate
bearing a flagon of wine for your thirst

how i wish i could shrink the earth, my friend
the sooner you might stand here at my side