Sorrow of Departure
Red lotus incense fades on as warm rain and soft breeze
Drives away the chill, moist as pussy willows
Light as the plum blossoms in spring
Gently I move my silk dress
And float alone in the orchid boat
Who can take a letter beyond the clouds?
Memories of festivals and love budding anew
Gold pendants, emerald hairpins, brocaded girdles
New sashes – as we competed for most beautiful
Now I am a wiser girl who learned her lesson all to well
Broken by a lover lost never to return to me
The tears streak my rouge creating trails of sorrow
As my phoenix hairpins become heavy upon me
Alone, all I can embrace is my endless wishing
As we long for each other but are too far apart