First Moon (by Li He)

So we officially welcome the Year of the Dog when every last dog among us shall have its day and then some.  Our new pup Bayleigh has already let out a howl or two as part of the celebration.  And here is my own contribution -- my translation of First Moon by the poet Li He, in recognition of the first full moon of the new Lunar Year.

Rising up to welcome spring

Just now freshly begun

A dim green blush has

Returned to the willow

The first note played

Just a little bit slowly

And meager too

Indistinct and hazy

Out in the fields and lanes

Green and trembling

By the wind born as

Nothing more than

A slender thread

Until dawn sleeping

In the brocaded bed

Chilled and with flesh

Pale as jade

Your face buried

Under the covers

Not yet ready for

The light of day

But on the broad avenues

The willow bands will be

Out on full display

Fresh and unbroken

All day and night

Sweet flag of rejuvenation

Bound together in a knot

正月

 李贺

上楼迎春新春归

暗黄著柳宫漏迟

薄薄淡霭弄野姿

寒绿幽风生短丝

锦床晓卧玉肌冷

露脸未开对朝暝

官街柳带不堪折

-->

早晚菖蒲胜绾结

-->

By way of explanation of the poem's last stanza - my reading is that this is a reference to the Tang custom of wearing a ceremonial band of willow branches to celebrate the return of spring.  If so, around these parts, those willow branch belts just about now would be flying off the shelf.  Happy new year indeed!