A Rainy Night (by Bai Juyi)

So much rain we've been having, the frozen earth has given way to a pliant, soggy mess underfoot.  Yesterday I had a chance to resume my translation practice and I found this lovely poem to translate by Bai Juyi, appropriately enough, called Rainy Night.  After a hiatus of several weeks it felt good to be immersing myself in Chinese characters again, puzzling them out as the rain beat steadily on the roof overhead.

I’m somewhat reflective

Living apart

Far off in the country

I’m somewhat drawn to events

They register deep in my gut

From my native place

I dare not stray far

Not today

Nor far in the future

In the depth of my being

It must not be otherwise

Not tonight

Not as I see it

In the present situation

Lamplight disturbs

The night

Sitting alone

In this empty room

Autumn is passing by

Dawn is yet to come

The wind and rain

Continue apace

In a dim gray light

Not studying

The monastic way

But following the heart

Tranquil so we may forget

夜雨

白居易

我有所念人

隔在远远乡

我有所感事

结在深深肠

乡远去不得

无日不瞻望

肠深解不得

无夕不思量

况此残灯夜

独宿在空堂

秋天殊未晓

风雨正苍苍

不学头陀法

前心安可忘

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