Sunday, 4 September 2022

lnhammer: the Chinese character for poetry, red on white background (Default)
I know you’re leaving for the far east:
Your coming gives so many worries.
You smile, m’lord, but don’t blame me—
This dainty one can’t help be bashful.

玉台体 之四
知向辽东去,
由来几许愁。
破颜君莫怪,
娇小不禁羞。

I’m pretty sure this soldier’s sweetheart is a courtesan who’s pertly good at the role of a properly bashful miss. Alternate reading: it’s his “coming back” from his posting (i.e., how long he’ll be away) that worries her.

—L.

About

Warning: contents contain line-breaks.

As language practice, I like to translate poetry. My current project is Chinese, with practice focused on Tang Dynasty poetry. Previously this was classical Japanese, most recently working through the Kokinshu anthology (archived here). Suggestions, corrections, and questions always welcome.

There's also original pomes in the journal archives.

April 2025

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