Li Qingzhao 李清照

c. 1100

I often remember that sunset at the pavilion by the stream, so drunk I did not know the way home. The fun spent, I turned the boat back late and strayed deep among the lotus flowers. How to get through, how to get through? I startled up a whole sandbank of gulls and egrets.

常記溪亭日暮，沈醉不知歸路。 興盡晚回舟，誤入藕花深處。 爭渡，爭渡，驚起一灘鷗鷺。

To the tune "As in a Dream"

Open this post

early 12th century · Missing her husband, far away

There is no way to get rid of this feeling. It has only just left my brow when it rises in my heart.

此情無計可消除，才下眉頭，卻上心頭。

To the tune "A Sprig of Plum Blossom"

Open this post

1130s · In her last years, alone, having lost her husband and her home

Seeking, seeking, searching, searching, cold, cold, bleak, bleak, mournful, wretched, sorrowful. This time of sudden warmth and cold again is the hardest in which to rest.

尋尋覓覓，冷冷清清，淒淒慘慘戚戚。 乍暖還寒時候，最難將息。

To the tune "Slow, Slow Song"

Open this post