ON LEAVING MONK WEN-KU IN THE MOUNTAINS

I remove my hemp robe to head back to the city.
Leaving my teacher, rejoining the way of the world.
It's not just that I am leaving this man of the hills,
I'm leaving the moon in the pines.
These past days how we've wandered, taking life easy,
going right to the edge of the sunrise clouds.
Opening a window over the river bank,
From our bed we have watched birds fly on until
they vanished.
We enjoyed our meals sprawled on the flat rocks,
Lounged often by a roaring stream.
When the world is at peace, people do not hide away like this.
When the Way is followed, who would need to leave?
Brother, you have a fine position here,
And uncle, you are well on your way to becoming a monk.
Keep the path clear for me.
The way things are going in the wide world, I expect you will hear me knocking again before long.

- Wang Wei. (c699-761)