1.
Plant your plum trees.
Old wine is nearing perfection,
the loamy earth soft and ready.
Your chickens are bursting with eggs.
Now is time to ring the rooster's neck,
serve him to Spring guests.
Let your sons share the wine,
your youngest daughter sing.
Build cradles and ready your barn for the rice.

2.
You are going on a long journey.
Pay the bill, leave
a generous tip
and whatever you have not
consumed for the ones who remain.
Drive straight to the airport,
board a plane for a city
to the east, one famed
for roosters, plums
and changeable weather.
Drink water only.
Keep your eyes moist, attract
no attention. Your future
is assured.

3.
Change all plans,
this is the season of roosters
and plums.
Leave your lover, disinherit your sons
move your garden beyond the house.
Sell your stock, rearrange
furniture, remove the rice paper
from your walls.
If you game with dice, desist,
if not, risk whatever you own.
You are the weathercock on the world's roof,
and the wind is gathering head.