Drinking Alone under the Moon

Drinking Alone under the Moon

by Li Bai

translated by Xu Yuanchong

Among the flowers, from a pot of wine I drink without a companion of mine.

I raise my cup to invite the Moon who blends

Her light with my Shadow and we're three friends.

The Moon does not know how to drink her share;

In vain my Shadow follows me here and there.

Together with them for the time I stay, And make merry before spring's spent away.

I sing and the Moon lingers to hear my song;

My Shadow's a mess while I dance along.

Sober, we three remain cheerful and gay;

Drunken, we part and each may go his way.

Our friendship will outshine all earthly love;

Next time we' Il meet beyond the stars above.

月下独酌

[唐] 李白