“Oh, when will autumn moon…

“Oh when will autumn moon and spring flowers end?
How many past events I’ve known.
The east wind buffeted my room again last night,
I cannot bear to remember the bright moon of the old country.
The marble steps and carved balustrades must still be there,
The people’s rosy cheeks are all that’s changed.
How much sorrow can one man have to bear?
As much as a river of spring water flowing east.

-LiYu

how long fall moon and spring bloom shall last?
how many happenings of life have passed?
a northwest wind rattled my window last night
i’ve forgotten how summer moon glows full-bright
old stairway and front porch of home still there
how many memories must bereaved woman bear?
faded are rosy cheeks of my childhood
as river of time flows through tears’ wildwood

-lynn


https://dversepoets.com/2021/04/20/poetics-china-kingdom-of-the-poem/

Laura Bloomsbury invites us to imitate Chinese-style poetry at dVerse poetics. First stanza is a translation from Chinese, second is my interpretation with added rhyme.

14 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
    Apr 22, 2021 @ 13:57:34

    I love how you made the words your own… the shift from man into woman, and the scenery subtly moved from china to present-day USA is well done.

    Reply

  2. rothpoetry
    Apr 22, 2021 @ 09:56:17

    Very nicely done Lynn!

    Reply

  3. sanaarizvi
    Apr 21, 2021 @ 19:50:17

    This is deeply poignant, Lynn. I m especially touched by; “i’ve forgotten how summer moon glows full-bright old stairway and front porch of home still there.”

    Reply

  4. Ken / rivrvlogr
    Apr 21, 2021 @ 14:12:32

    The sense of loss is palpable in this.

    Reply

  5. Laura Bloomsbury
    Apr 21, 2021 @ 05:33:26

    you certainly tuned in to the original sentiments Lynn and found your own way of saying that grief is something we never get over, but perhaps get round somehow. Mourning parents is also to mourn our lost childhoods.
    “faded are rosy cheeks of my childhood”…
    “old stairway and front porch of home still there”

    Reply

  6. Jane Dougherty
    Apr 21, 2021 @ 03:40:18

    I’m sorry to hear about your dad, Lynn. Writing is a good way to express sorrow. I read the eagle poem too. Very moving xx

    Reply

  7. ben Alexander
    Apr 21, 2021 @ 02:01:21

    Lynn, this really touched my heart and made me think of my Mama who was widowed nearly three years ago 😦

    Beautiful, thank you.


    David

    Reply

  8. msjadeli
    Apr 20, 2021 @ 23:19:55

    I like how you’ve ellipsed the title. Nice touch. The deep sorrow in the present reflected in the original carries well into your version, Lynn.

    Reply

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