English Rendering
A boat amidst blushing blooms—
I recall on arrival,
paired with mandarin ducks as companions.
Of thirty-six lotus ponds, untouched by men,
countless water-jeweled gowns sway in the breeze.
Jade-green leaves breathe coolness,
fair faces flushed from wine,
then a drizzle sprinkles the cattail reeds.
A coy sway, a graceful dance—
cold fragrance soars into my verse.
Dusk falls.
Like parasols of jade, they stand tall and serene.
But where is my love?
How could I bear to leave on rippling steps?
I fear their dancing skirts, chilled, may fall too soon,
as sorrow drifts on west winds over southern shores.
Tall willows cast shadows,
old fish stir the waves—
they beg me to linger among the flowers.
How many layered leaves remain?
How many times must I turn back on the sandy path?
