The water lilies of summer are gone. They are no more.
Nothing remains but their umbrella leaves.
The chrysanthemums of Autumn are fading.
Their leaves are white with frost.
The beauty of the year is only a solemn memory.
Soon it will be winter and
Oranges turn gold and the citrons green.
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
Marvelous poetic images related to the seasons and the progression of the natural cycles.
Thank you, Leonard. Kind regards, Aquileana 😛
I’m happy you liked this one, too. Another of my favorite poets from the Sung Dynasty.