New Life

To Chengtu in the South, Now dispossessed of wealth, An old man came, Poor farmer now. He sits with bitter sorrow As he stares back to the North, Yet finds oblivion from strife Paddling his little boat, Accompanied by his wife, Watching their children Bathing in the clear water, And butterflies courting One another and seeing Two Lotus blossoms on one stalk together; Taking tea later with his family, Or else the pure juice of cane-sugar And thinking how drinking From plain crockery Is as good as the finest jade.