it's so cold in the mountains
not just now but always
dim ridges eternally suck in snow
dark forests spray mist
plants grow after grain ears
leaves fall before autumn begins
and a long lost traveller here
peers without seeing the sky
.
i've lived on cold mountain now
already a few million years
trusting fate i fled to woods and springs
to linger and gaze where i will
no one comes to the cliffs
white clouds keep them shrouded
fine grass serves as a mattress
blue sky does for a quilt
happy with a rock for a pillow
let heaven and earth transform
the collected songs of cold mountain - translated from chinese by red pine
in relation to brice marden - cold mountain studies 10, from a series of thirty-five sheets, 1988-90
thanks to chester for bringing in book - beautiful dust-jacket and book design
