A Lone Fisherman

Wang Wie translated by Sam Hamill:

Reply to a Magistrate

Late in life, I care for ease alone--
to hell with official concerns.

Look! I make plans for the future
but to go back to my forest home again.

Let pine winds loosen my robes,
mountain moons play my lute.

You want to taste success or failure?
A lone fisherman sings out on the water.