Sunday, September 21, 2008

The Adorned Zither

The Adorned Zither (Li Shang-Yin, 813-858 AD, China)

Coincidentally there are fifty strings on my adorned zither.
Every string and post reminds me of our good years together.
Master Chuang was dazzled by the butterfly in his dream.
Emperor Wang’s kindness was spread in spring by cuckoos scream.
The moon shines over the green sea, turning teardrops to pearls.
The sun warms the jade in Blue Fields, emitting smoke curls.
These recollections were the best that I shared with her.
Alas I didn’t realize then how precious those moments were.

Does this exactly translate your poem by Li Shang-Ying?

-sorrow-

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