“Fortune-teller’s Song” by Su Shi [w/ Audio]

The crescent moon hangs on a barren tree.
The water clock has stopped and all is still.
Who sees the sad man pace the shore alone?
His shadow slants and curls into a swan.

The startled man stiffens and turns to look;
His grief remains unseen by anyone.
He passes on a seat of fallen log,
And plops down on the wet and cold sandbank.

NOTE: The original title is: 卜算子.

“Singing My Mind” #1 by Ruan Ji [w/ Audio]

One sleepless night:
I sit up to strum my lute.
The moon shines through thin curtains,
A gentle breeze rustles my robe.
A wild goose honks in the wilderness,
Stirring a cascade of other birdcall.
I pace and peek out windows --
Alone, and burdened with sorrows.