A Song of Departure by Li Ching Chao
Warm rain and soft breeze by turns Have just broken And driven away the chill. Moist as the pussy willows, Light as the plum blossoms, Already I feel the heart of Spring vibrating. But now who will share with me The joys of wine and poetry? Tears streak my rouge. My hairpins are too heavy. I put on my new quilted robe Sewn with gold thread And throw myself against a pile of pillows, Crushing my phoenix hairpins. Alone, all I can embrace is my endless sorrow. I know a good dream will never come. So I stay up till past midnight Trimming the lamp flower’s smoking wick.
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