Fallen Flowers, Li Shangyin (300 Tang Shi #158)

At the high hall, the last guest leaves at last.
In the small garden, flowers fly chaotic.
I walk unsteady down the winding path
Where lofty gaps deliver slanting sunbeams.
My belly’s sliced, I can’t yet stand to sweep—
Eyes pierced, I still desire her return.
My heart for fragrance looks to the end of spring,
For this place gives just this: my clothing soaked.

落花
高阁客竟去，
小园花乱飞。
参差连曲陌，
迢递送斜晖。
肠断未忍扫，
眼穿仍欲归。
芳心向春尽，
所得是沾衣。

Written after his mother’s death, which supplies the unstated “her.” The gaps are where flowers have fallen from the trees. Clothing as usual gets wet because of tears.

---L.