How Many Enjoy Reunion When the Moon Is Bright
Into the sea spring tides of the river flow,
Out of sea tides does the rising moon glow.
Glittering waves roll on thousands of miles,
All rivers are robed by lunar beams in piles.
The river twists and turns around the green field,
Snow pellets on flowers the moon rays yield.
The air is frosted with the moonlight sensible,
The white sand on the islet is clearly invisible.
In one color the river merges with the dustless sky,
And in the azure dome the lonely moon rises high.
By the riverside who first saw the moon shine?
When did the moonlight first find a human sign?
Life runs on endlessly from generation to generation,
But the moon remains unchanged years in succession.
No one knows for whom the moon is there waiting,
Yet the river constantly sends off the water flowing.
Like a wondering cloud I parted with you in weep,
Leaving you standing at the ferry in sorrow deep.
Which family has a traveler in a boat tonight?
Who is lovesick in a boudoir lit by the moonlight?
The miserable moonlight moves up and down the stair,
But it should focus on the dressing table you prepare.
The moonshine on the curtain cannot be rolled away,
The beams on the washing-board are brushed but stay.
Gazing at the same moon we can’t converse through,
By moonlight I wish my sincere love could reach you.
The message goose cannot fly higher and farther,
Text-like ripples are written by fish’s jumping on water.
Last night I dreamed of the fallen flowers on the pond,
I couldn't go home although it is mid-spring beyond.
Even the river will soon run out of its spring tide,
Into the west the brilliant moon will finally slide.
Slowly the tilting moon hides itself in the sea haze,
And we’re thousands of miles apart with vain gaze.
How many enjoy reunion when the moon is bright?
On swaying trees the setting moon sheds woeful light.
(Tran.)
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