DRINKING ALONE WITH THE MOON

月下独酌

李白

花间一壶酒， 独酌无相亲;

举杯邀明月， 对影成三人。

月既不解饮， 影徒随我身;

暂伴月将影， 行乐须及春。

我歌月徘徊， 我舞影零乱;

醒时同交欢， 醉后各分散。

永结无情游， 相期邈云汉。

DRINKING ALONE WITH THE MOON

Li Bai

(Ying Sun译)

From a wine pot amidst the flowers,

I drink alone without partners.

To invite the moon I raise my cup.

We’re three, as my shadow shows up.

Alas, the moon doesn’t drink.

My shadow follows but doesn’t think.

Still for now I have these friends,

To cheer me up until the spring ends.

I sing; the moon wanders.

I dance; the shadow scatters.

Awake, together we have fun.

Drunk, separately we’re gone.

Let’s be boon companions forever,

Pledging, in heaven, we’ll be together.