Toasting the East Wind
Ou-yang, Xiu (1007 A.D.-1072 A.D.)
Toasting the east wind 1, I wish we could share leisure time
2. We used to travel hand-in-hand among fragrant flowers beneath the
hanging willow trees along the purple road 3 east to Lo City. It is
bitter that our coming together was followed so quickly with departing. This
year's flowers are more lovely than last year's. Even though the flowers next
year may be more beautiful, I wonder who will appreciate their beauty with me.
1
The east wind refers to Spring or "happy youth".
2
This phrase means that Ou-yang is unwilling to part with his youth.
3
The purple road refers to a road lined with purple flowers.