Like a boat on wave's top (a farewell poem)

Sadly to my dear friend I say good-bye,

and into the vast mist my boat passed by.

For my native place Luoyang now I'm bound,

still froom Guanling woods come faint tolling sound.

This time and at this place we bid farewell,

where we can meet once again, who can tell?

Human life is like a boat on wave's top

Its gliding this or that way, who can stop?

Wei Yingwu (737-791). Just setting out from Yangzi Ferry.

(translated by the great Wang Yushu)