AFTER A NAP IN EARLY SUMMER

Yang Wanli

(Southern Song Dynasty)

The juice of mume makes my teeth feel a sourness keen;

Banana leaves share their green with my window screen.

What at after a long daynap can I do with pleasure?

I only watch the kids catch willow down at leisure.

初夏睡起

[南宋]杨万里

梅子流酸溅齿牙,芭蕉分绿上窗纱。

日长睡起无情思,闲看儿童捉柳花。

About the poet 

Yang Wanli was a Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) poet known for his witty writing style when describing nature.

About the translator 

Xu Yuanchong (1921-2021) was born in Nanchang in East China's Jiangxi Province. He was a professor of literary translation at Peking University.

About the book 

Golden Treasury of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Poetry Translated by Xu Yuanchong & Xu Ming Publishes by China Intercontinental Press