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Magnolia

Ou-yang, Xiu (1007 A.D.-1072 A.D.)

    Since our separation, I have wondered where you are. In my sorrow everything appears lonesome and desolate. The further you travel, the more distant you become, and the fewer letters I receive from you. The river is wide. The fish sink 1. Where can I ask after you? In the dead of night, as the wind blows through the bamboo trees, it beats an autumn tune. The rustling of a thousand leaves echoes my frustration. Therefore, I lean against the lonely pillow to search for you in my dreams. However, I cannot fall asleep. Once again my candle has melted away.




1 The poem "War Horses Drank at the Well by the Great Wall" says,
"A guest came from far away
And left me two carp.
When I asked my boy to cook them,
He discovered that there was a letter in them."
Here "the fish sink" means "the fish will not deliver letters".