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Friday, March 2, 2018

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
 

上楼迎春新春
暗黄著柳

薄薄淡弄野姿
绿生短

卧玉肌冷
未开朝暝

官街柳不堪折
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早晚菖蒲胜绾结






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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!  



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