Through a mica 2 screen the image of candlelight appears deep.
The Milky Way is slowly setting and the morning stars disappear with the
sunrise.
Chang-e should regret that she stole the elixir of life.
Although she is facing a green sea and a blue sky, her heart is as lonely as
the night.
1
According to Chinese mythology, Chang-e was the wife of an archer, Yi,
during Emperor Yao's reign. Yi was humble and honest when he was young. It was
very hot at that time because the sky had ten suns. Yi helped people by shooting down
nine of them. After accomplishing this great feat, he became proud and evil.
Later, he went to the Mother of the Heavens to acquire the elixir of life.
Chang-e would not allow an evil person to live forever, so she stole the elixir
and swallowed it. Then she flew to the moon and lived there forever.
There are many interpretations for this poem. Some say the life of gods is
not worthy of admiration. One should face reality, and should not believe
ghosts or gods and not pursue eternal life. Others say it expresses his
frustration from advancing his political career because his low-ranking
positions forced him to move from place to place similar to Chang-e's
experience. Some say this poem is a eulogy for Li's wife. others say Li wrote
this poem to blame his lover for leaving him. Still others say it expresses Li's
sympathy for the
conflict between the religious life and the emotional life of a Taoist nun.
2
Mica is an ore rich in elasticity. Its crystal is transparent and full of
luster. Thin mica pieces can be used to decorate a screen.