still I journeyed west to present my “Tall Poplar Ode”
but I couldn’t wait for the clouds to lift from palace gates
I decided to spend old age on East Mountain
by chance we met near Wei River Bridge
and said goodbye again at Tsuo Terrace
you asked if I knew how much you hated parting
it was late spring and petals were raining down
there was no end to our words
and no limit to our hearts
I’m calling the boy to come seal this letter
I’m sending you my feelings from too far away

translated by Red Pine