Back slackened,
legs kicking lightly in the river,
the radiant sunbeams warming my face,
I sat surrounded by joyous laughter.

A half-empty pitcher of wine,
an empty cup in my hand,
I reached out,
caressing the slightly warm pitcher.

Suddenly,
a slap on my hand.
“Recite another poem,” someone said,
tugging the pitcher away.

I felt a loud guffaw escape my belly.
“Give me some wine, and I’ll fulfil your wish,” I replied.
They bowed mockingly,
“as you wish.”

Stumbling,
wine drunk fools as they are,
they poured, and poured, and poured,
till my cup overflowed.

I licked the cup,
catching the dripping drops.
I smelt the cup,
taking in the unforgettable fragrance.
I tilted the cup,
sweet, sweet wine flowing like the calm river down my throat.

The act of enjoying wine,
what a euphoric feeling,
what a liberating feeling,
what a carefree feeling.

I stripped off my robes,
and without hesitation,
plunged into the cooling river,
revelling in its gentle touch on my wine-warmth skin.

By: Tan Hui Lin Eunice (U1831121L)
This poem was written to convey the thoughts of a drunk poet. It is meant to reflect the general peacefulness of the Tang Period and the enjoyment one experiences through natural landscapes, friendship, and wine-drinking!