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Crescent Pond was located inside the palace grounds in Kaifeng where Ch’eng was serving at the time. The tower he refers to was Iron Pagoda, which was part of Kaipao Temple northeast of the palace. The tower was originally built of wood c. 975. After a fire, it was rebuilt of bricks in 1049 and covered with glazed tiles that made it look as though it were made of iron. The rebuilt version, which Ch’eng sees in the distance and which still stands, is 56 meters high, whereas the original was 120 meters.

Visiting Crecent Pond

CH’ENG HAO

We circle the shore of Crescent Pond

to the north is a tower that touches the sky

the world has changed in the autumn air

we pour a cup for the evening chill

the image of a cloud pauses on the water

the sound of a stream lingers beneath the trees

our tasks are endless there’s no need to count

let’s meet again our next day off