For a friend Tom Sharp

A good friend visits; then, like the tide he leaves. Ancient poetry and old friends never get old but writing poems together doesn’t stop the sun from setting. I try to learn from the past, not to obsess over it. I’ve been called to serve at the capital again where I hope that politics doesn’t go against me. Take the road by the west bank of the West Lake, and appreciate its green and misty beauty. And don’t look back, since there’s no need to cry.

八声甘州·寄参寥子 苏轼

有情风万里卷潮来，无情送潮归。 问钱塘江上，西兴浦口，几度斜晖？ 不用思量今古，俯仰昔人非。 谁似东坡老，白首忘机。 记取西湖西畔，正春山好处，空翠烟霏。 算诗人相得，如我与君稀。 约它年、东还海道，愿谢公雅志莫相违。 西州路，不应回首，为我沾衣。