江月

Spring river tides lie level with the sea. Bright moon is born upon the tide. Its light goes with the waves ten thousand miles. Where on spring rivers shines no moon? Winding waters round the fragrant fields. Moonlit flowers all look like snow. Frost in air drifts unseen. White sand on the isle fades from sight. River, sky—one hue, no grain of dust. One bright moon wheels in empty air. Who by the river first saw moon? When did river moon first shine on man? Lives pass on, age after age. River moon looks the same year after year. Whom does the river moon await? Only the long river sends water away. A single white cloud wanders far. At Green Maple Shore, sorrow cannot cease. Whose lone boat drifts tonight? Where does longing fill a moonlit tower? Pity the moon above the tower. It must shine on the parted one's mirror. Jade-door blinds cannot roll it away. Brushed from the washing stone, it returns. Now we gaze, yet cannot hear. Would moonlight flow and shine on you. Wild geese fly far, beyond its light. Fish and dragons leap, water in rings. Last night I dreamed of falling blooms. Spring half gone, yet still no home. River bears the spring nearly away. Moon over the pool slopes west once more. Slant moon sinks deep in ocean mist. Jieshi to Xiaoxiang—endless roads. Who rides the moon and now returns? Fallen moon sways love through river trees.