長幹行

My forehead barely covered by my hair,
Outdoors I pluck'd and played with flowers fair.
On bobby horse you came upon the scene;
Around the well we played with mumes still green.
We lived, close neighbors on Riverside Lane,
Carefree and innocent, we children twain.
At fourteen years when I became your bride,
I'd often turn my bashful face aside.
Hanging my head, I'd look on the dark wall;
I would not answer your call upon call.
I was fifteen when I composed my brows;
To mix my dust with yours were my dear vows.
Rather than break faith, you declared you'd die.
Who knew I'd live alone in tower high?
I was sixteen when you went far away,
Passing Three Gorges studded with rocks grey,
Where ships were wrecked when spring flood ran high,
Where gibbons' wails seemed coming from the sky.
Green moss now overgrows before our door;
Your footprints, hidden, can be seen no more.
Moss can't be swept away, so thick it grows,
And leaves fall early when the west wind blows.
In yellow autumn butterflies would pass
Two by two in west garden o'er the grass.
This sight would break my heart and I'm afraid,
Sitting alone, my rosy cheeks would fade.
O when are you to leave the western land?
Do not forget to tell me beforehand!
I'll walk to meet you and not call it far
E'en go to Long Wind Sands where you are.