Washing Chiffon by the Creek

Author: Li, Jing (916—961)

Fragrant lotus flowers fade and green lotus leaves wither.

West winds stir up ripples of sorrow.

I also languish as time passes by,

Becoming an unsightly fellow.

Through sprinkles of rain, my dream returns to my faraway homeland

Where flute music permeates my small building under a cold shadow.

How many teardrops can equate my immeasurable regret?

I lean against the handrail with woe.

Li Jing was the second emperor of the Southern Tang Dynasty. He and his son Li Yu were both creative poets, but not strong rulers. The father saw the decline of Southern Tang, and the son suffered from the fall of the short-lived dynasty.

Although the weather is still hot, there are withering lotus flowers and a few fallen leaves. The poets always use this kind of flower to express their moods or situations. Let’s appreciate one piece of work written by Li Jing.

Copyright: A Poetic Portal To Chinese Culture, China Pictorial Press

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