The White Pony
Pure is the white pony,	
Feeding on the young shoots in my stackyard.
Keep him hobbled, keep him bridled,
Let him stay through all mornings.
So may my lover
Here take his ease.

Pure is the white pony,
Feeding on the bean sprouts in my stackyard.
Keep him hobbled, keep him bridled,
Let him stay through all evenings.
So may my lover
Here have his peace.

Pure is the white pony
Who comes to me swiftly,
Like a duke, like a marquis,
Let us enjoy ourselves completely,
Let us prolong our love-making,
Let us take our ease.

Pure is the white pony
Who lies in the empty valley
With a bundle of fresh hay.
He is like a piece of jade.
Oh, do not he like gold or jade.
Do not go far from my heart!

            Book of Songs
            from The White Pony,
            ed. Robert Payne, Mentor '47