Poem

Gazing at the moon, missing my love afar

The ocean gives birth to a full moon so bright,

Which sheds silver light over us oceans apart.

Yearning for thee, I resent the long, long night;

Sleepless at all, how can I feel peace at heart?

The candle is snuffed; the moonlight overflows,

Luring me to step out; oh, chilly dew grows!

How can I cup moonlight as a gift for thee?

I’ll resume my sleep to dream of smiley thee.

Written by Zhang Jiuling

Translated by Wang Changling

Zhang Jiuling (678-740) was a prominent minister, noted poet and scholar of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong.

Wang Changling is an English teacher with the School of Foreign Studies, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, People’s Republic of China.

Courtesy Confucius Institute, The University of the West Indies, Mona