Prologue. I love to compose music myself. First, I write a poem. Then I
accompany it with music. Therefore, even though two poems' melody titles are the
same, their music can be somewhat different. "Withered Trees", written by Xin Yu
1, says, "I planted willow trees years ago. Their branches brush the
southern shore of the Han River. Now their leaves shake and fall. The river
become bleak and desolate. Even trees, which lack feeling, are doomed to such a
fate. How can human beings bear to accept their destiny?" I love his view very
much.
The wind gradually blows off all the catkins on the willow branches. Every
house in this area bathes in deep green. The winding shore extends far into the
distance. Where do these boats, sailing in all directions, go at dusk? I have
seen many people, but who is like the willow trees at Long Gazebo? These willow
trees see people off frequently. If they had feelings, they would not look so
fresh and green.
At sunset, I no longer see the tall city wall 2. All I see is
numerous random mountains. After Gao Wei left Yu-xiao, how could he have
forgotten his promise to her 3 ? I should return to my love as soon
as possible. Otherwise, no one will appreciate the beauty of red blossoms. Even
though I have a pair of scissors made in Bin City, it is difficult for me to cut
off a thousand threads of parting sorrow.
1 Xin Yu was a native of Xin-ye City during the Northern and Southern
dynasties. In the Xiao-min Period, he was the Mayor of Lo City in the Kingdom of
Zhou. Later, he became a general. He had great literary talent. His most famous
poem is "The Lament South of the Yangtze River".
2 The city wall might have been destroyed by a war.
3My Friends' Discussions at Cloudy Creek says,
"Gao Wei traveled to
Jiang-xia City where he fell in love with a female opera singer, Yu-xia. He left
her a jade ring with a promise that he would visit her seven years later. After
eight years, Wei still had not come. Yu-xiao died from fast. Later, Wei met
another female opera singer. She looked like Yu-xiao. At distance, her middle
finger appeared to have a jade ring around it."