Beneath the Moon, Before the Steps (Gratitude for New Bounties)
- Poetry of Li Yu

《谢新恩·樱花落尽阶前月》

English Rendering

Beneath the moon, before the steps, all cherry blossom has fallen,

Enwreathed in smoke, she looks sorrowful lying in bed.

She feels the same regret today as one long year ago.

Both braids like cloud in disarray, her face is wan and sallow,

The crimson corset wet from wiping tears.

But what's the reason why she suffers so?

She lies in a drunken dream before the window.

Beneath the Moon, Before the Steps (Gratitude for New Bounties) by Li Yu
Beneath the Moon, Before the Steps (Gratitude for New Bounties) by Li Yu

Original Text (中文原文)

樱花落尽阶前月,象床愁倚薰笼。

远似去年今日,恨还同。

双鬟不整云憔悴,泪沾红抹胸。

何处相思苦?纱窗醉梦中。

Analysis & Context

By Li Yu

Reader's Companion

The Essence of the Verse

Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.

Reading Between the Lines

Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.

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