On the Birth of His Son

Su Shi
Chinese
1037 – 1101

 

Families, when a child is born,
Want it to be intelligent.
I, through intelligence,
Having wrecked my whole life,
Only hope the baby will prove
Ignorant and stupid.
Then he will crown a tranquil life
By becoming a Cabinet Minister.

 

Translation by Arthur Waley

2 thoughts on “On the Birth of His Son”

    1. That was my feeling too. We always talk about how poetry reaches across the centuries and touches the reader. Seems it’s as true in this context as any other. 😀

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