River Song by Li Zhiyi (1035-1117)

To the tune of Busuanzi (Calculating the Future)

 

 

I live at the head of the long Yangtze.

He lives in its furthest reaches.

I think of him, each day, but we never meet.

The drink we share is the Yangtze water.

 

When will these waters come to rest,

or my regrets finally end?

I only hope his heart’s like mine.

Surely, we won’t betray our longings!

 

 

 

Julian Farmer

Translated by Julian Farmer.

Julian Farmer is a poet and translator from several languages, especially French, Classical Greek, Latin, Russian and Classical Chinese. His poems and translations have been published in Acumen, Staple, Stand, London Magazine, Epiphany, SHOp, and Modern Poetry in Translation.

Founded in 2005, Litro is an international literary and cultural platform publishing fiction, essays, interviews, criticism and new voices across the UK, US and global literary communities. Litro connects emerging and established writers with readers, publishers, cultural institutions and creative partners through its magazine, digital editions, masterclasses, podcasts and live projects. Its work spans literature, arts, culture, publishing, archives and creative rights, with a focus on discovering new writing and keeping serious cultural work visible in a changing media landscape.

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