Springtime Sun

Yin Qiqi (~800)
 
 
In times of doubt I sing to spring’s fresh sun
And free the knots tied up within my gut—
Your young man’s left his home and not come back
But winter’s snow will wash the willow’s smut.
 
 

Chinese   陽春曲 殷七七   愁見唱陽春 令人離腸結 郎去未歸家 柳自飄香雪

Pronunciation   Yáng Chūn Qū Yīn Qīqī

The entire journey was on foot to this place,
Of moss, more moss, and my footstep’s trace.
White clouds about the banks in a quiet state,
The growing grass has covered the fence’s gate.
 
Passing rain, the pine’s green color in course,
I follow the mountain, to the water’s source.
These river flowers, in a moment’s sensation,
Have brought us to meet in silent meditation.
 
 
Original Chinese Poem
 

Hundreds of acres—this garden is covered with moss;
Peach flowers now cauliflowers, filling to the end.
Where did the monk who tended this soil go?
Once I was young and now I’m back here again.
 
 
Original in Chinese