English Rendering
Spring has returned!
Just look at spring’s streamers and ribbons
Gracefully dancing on pretty maidens’ heads.
Alas, the indiscriminate wind and rain
Yet reluctant to store away the lingering cold!
Seasonal swallows,
I imagine, will this night
Dream of returning to their orchard,
Though unprepared to scent
The golden tangerines that go with wine
Among green leeks and scallions piled on the plate.
From this time on, I should laugh at the east wind
That perfumes the plum flowers and dyes the willow
Without any let-up;
Then steal one idle moment, looking at a mirror,
And see the ruby color fade from my cheeks.
Oh, interminable grief!
Who, let me ask,
Knows the clue to uncouple these interlocked jade-rings?
I dread most to see
Flowers bloom and flowers fall.
When morning comes, the frontier geese will be the first to come home.
