When the lotus leaves grew, my spring sadness grew.
Now that the lotus leaves have withered, my autumn sadness is full.
I well know that as long as life remains, emotions remain;
Gazing ahead wistfully by the river, I hear the river’s flow.
translated by James J. Y. Liu
Excellent choice, Leonard.
Thanks John. He’s a personal favorite of mine and I recently picked up an out-of-print book devoted to his work so you’ll be seeing more of him here soon.