Today was the last day of my Classical Chinese class. I will miss it, and the professor who is moving away, very much. As a parting treat, we translated this gem of a poem. It was written by a monk who built and lived in “Buried Alive Tomb” Cave. Yes, he was probably crazy, therefore, use your imagination, or exaggeration, rather.
Cream of Wheat
by Wang Zhe of the Song dynasty (960-1279)
Droplets like honey, little clouds whiter than frost
The elegantly named Clear Brightness has its own unique fragrance.
The precious blade softly separates the white jade flakes
The silver spoon whirls, dripping the broth.
Golden Lads offer up the jeweled fragrant gleams
The immortal visitor chews open the snowy, multicolored beams.
The five cavities of the body are ordered to make preparations
For from forever ago they were required to be pure and cold.*
*I think you can figure out how the first bit works, but this last part has hidden meanings. Therefore, a re-telling of the last two lines: Get ready stomach, because you’re gonna get the first food you’ve had since I started fasting a while ago!
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