My friend gave an English translation of this Chinese poem to me long time ago. It was a long poem and it was about two men, talking by the river and enjoying the moon. It contained a phrase, "Have you seen the moon and the water?" They talk about some things always changing and yet always there, like the moon and the river. I don't remember who wrote it, but I just remember it was beautiful. Does anybody know what this poem is?? Thanks in advance.
1 Answer
The poem you are quoting is 前赤壁赋 by 苏轼,and indeed, it is one of the best 赋 in Chinese history.
The part you have in the post is
客亦知夫水与月乎?逝者如斯,而未尝往也,盈虚者如彼,而卒莫消长也。盖将自其变者而观之,则天地曾不能以一瞬,自其不变者而观之,则物与我皆无尽也,而又何羡乎?且夫天地之间,物各有主,苟非吾之所有,虽一毫而莫取。惟江上之清风,与山间之明月,耳得之而为声,目遇之而成色,取之无禁,用之不竭,是造物者无尽臧也,而吾与子之所共适。