Life In The Blue Bowers

While jogging in the hot afternoon sun…

1 夕陽紅霞漸黄昏As usual, the rosy clouds of sunset will eventually turn into dusk,
2 秦淮仍舊胭脂雲 But in Qinhuai, clouds still remain rouged in red.
3 月上妝台初照色 Upon the dressing table the rising moon began to shine on the colors,
4 嘯羅鑒別步銷魂 And finally, rustling silk departs from the mirror in dainty steps.

5 紈扇圓潔暗淚戴 Pure is her round silk fan but secret tears carrying within,
6 工顰妍笑誘心神 Adept in frowns of smiles, tugging at the hearts of all nearby.
7 一聲鶯語公子請 “This way my lords…”, a voice came like twittering warblers,
8 回眸向射醉英貧 With one back glance, all these heroes slain into intoxicated poverty.

1 This line implies that everything that is natural will turn old and fade away.

2 秦淮 is the red light district of ancient China and will remain forever young due because of newcomers plying themselves in rouge to enter the trade.

3 The moon may refer to the round bronze mirror or the lady in question. The colors refer to either to the reflection of the complexion or the makeup.

4 The routine ablution is complete. She departs from her boudoir and is ready to meet her clients.

5, 6 The first four characters of each line are from the Thousand Character Classic.

8 The idealized Chinese hero should be able to withstand the onslaught of female wiles.

Monday, June 27, 2023