It is warm one moment and cold the next. The wind and rain continue until
night falls. As the Clear and Bright Festival 2 approaches, the house
and garden are lonesome. The flowers shrivel. Drinking wine, I feel sorrowful as
I did last year. The painted bugle is awakened by the wind. It is quiet at night
after doors are locked. How can I endure seeing the shadow of a swing
3
that the moon casts over the wall?
1
The green door refers to the southeast city gate of Chang-an, China's
capital in the Tang dynasty. Xian Zhang was sorrowful because the emperor failed
to utilize his talent. In this poem, Zhang compares himself to a woman who
complains that her husband has been away from home for a long time.
2
The Clear and Bright Festival observed on April 4th or 5th in China is a
holiday during which the Chinese worship at the graves. It roughly corresponds
to our Memorial Day.
3
"The shadow of a swing" of her neighbors reminds the woman of her happy
days.