From the balcony to the bare distance
- Poetry of Li Qingzhao

From the balcony to the bare distance,

A light mist spreads to the hills and lands.

With a late autumn chill it also sends in

army horns from the west on the crows’ returns.

My chamber now senses no more incense,

no more wine, and no more sweet dreams.

The wicked wind has robbed the last leaves

of parasol trees before a winter more bleak.

(translated by Julia Min)