Spring Sleep (a reverie in springtime by Bai Juyi)

Spring takes us right to the edge of a great awakening.  That, at least, is the way I read this poem by the Tang poet Bai Juyi.  The poet lays down in springtime in perfect repose and finds himself transported.  This poem is the record of his journey.

Freshly bathed

Loose of limb

Alone I lay down

In peaceful contentment

By virtue of the night

Deeply enfolded in rest

After day’s long commotion

Sleep finally attends me

Oh spring

Sometimes wan and chill

But also by warmth blessed

When dawn enters the casement

I’m slumbering still

Withdrawn far from

The world of humanity

Sunk in the pillow’s depth

To the immortal realm ascending

Where I arrive as only seems fit

No longer dreaming

But overwhelmed and

Of speech completely bereft

As in a moment of triumph

To stumble drunkenly

All desire ends up over matched

In the pure stream of Chan

What cry then awakens me

A passing shrike

Outside the window

That breaks the reverie

Rising to my family

Wife and children laughing

A lifetime of spring gaiety

Yet a vaster realm

Has slipped away

春眠

白居易

新浴肢体畅     独寝神魂安

况因夜深坐     遂成日高眠

春被薄亦暖     朝窗深更闲

却忘人间事     似得枕上仙

至适无梦想     大和难名言

全胜彭泽醉     欲敌曹溪禅

何物呼我觉     伯劳声关关

起来妻子笑     生计春茫然

-->