The Complete Cold Mountain: Poems of the Legendary Hermit Hanshan

Translation: Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt

Part One: Original Poems, Circa Late Sixth to Early Seventh Century

28

Wandering, I arrive at Above the Sky Pavilion,
where I climb the hundred-foot tower in vain.
Even if we nurture life, our lives are short,
how will making myself study turn me into a lord?
It’s useless to follow the advice of immature people.
Why should I be ashamed of my white hair?
Not yet as straight as an arrow,
I won’t be bent like a hook.

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