Li Qingzhao: The Silver River Is A-Churning Far Up In The Skies 李清照 天上星河轉 人間簾幕垂 Poem by Frank Yue

TUNE: Nán Gē Zǐ
"Little South Country Song"
TITLE: "In my illness my temple hair"
-by LI QINGZHAO (1081-1151?)
(Southern Song dynasty)
-Translated by Frank C Yue

The Silver River is a-churning far up in the Skies,
Down on Earth here, window curtains block prying eyes.
The chill invades my mat and pillow,
And then my tears start to flow.
I get up, disrobe, and ask the young Night,
When will you e'er take flight?

On my robe, the sewn-on green feather young lotus is small,
Across the back, sparse gold-embroidered lotus leaves sprawl.
I still wear my old clothes as the old weather unfolds,
O Everything's the same as in m'home of old -
But for my deep emotions (that are now uncontrolled) !


(2013.10.20)


【南歌子】 南宋 ‧李清照

天上星河轉，人間簾幕垂。涼生枕簟淚痕滋。
起解羅衣聊問、夜何其。

翠貼蓮蓬小，金銷藕葉稀。舊時天氣舊時衣。
只有情懷不似、舊家時。