Yearning

1 天河銀點漸西暗 The Celestial River dotted in silver began to dim as they journeyed west,

2 力倦杯傾醉眼沉 Strength a weakening, cups a tilt and droopy eyes descended.
3 醒後莫曉玉露去 Upon awakening, whereabouts of jade dew, I know not,
4 夢中何處春光禁 And in dreams, where is Springtime being imprisoned?

1 The Milky Way is known as the Celestial River.

3 Jade dew symbolizes autumn. Like mists, they also represent things of impermanence. Jade here does not signify the green color. The favorite jade color of ancient Chinese is the mutton fat white color. The dark spinach green color, known as the imperial green was highly favored by the Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi.

Monday, May 1, 2023