A Hundred and Seventy Chinese Poems/After Lunch

by Arthur Waley

AFTER LUNCH

After lunch — one short nap:
On waking up — two cups of tea.
Raising my head, I see the sun's light
Once again slanting to the south-west.
Those who are happy regret the shortness of the day;
Those who are sad tire of the year's sloth.
But those whose hearts are devoid of joy or sadness
Just go on living, regardless of "short" or "long."