Classic Poem

All my friends can write them

All my friends can write them,
but as for me, what do I know?
Still, I've had the chairmanship thrust upon me;
I'm ashamed of my inadequacy for this post!
There are many sad songs, like Tree of Jade,
and slangy tunes, like Bamboo Branch.
We improvise songs in northern and southern style,
and give them to the singers right here on the mats!EnglishLi K'ai-hsienShort Poems