New Bamboo Shoot

New Bamboo Shoot

by Wei Yingwu

Shaking off its sheath of green,

The tender shoot exudes sweetness.

Its leaves spreading under the dew;

Its twigs from buds ever mature,

At the pavilion this morn I stopped to gaze,

With tender love at this plant hiding in shade.

The poet Wei Yingwu (737-792), self-indulgent in his youth, later mended his ways and devoted himself to study. His poems usually depict the secluded life, as well as natural beauty.