Untitled

With the soughing of the east wind fine rain starts to fall.
From beyond the lotus pool are the soft sounds of thunder.
A golden toad gnaws at the lock, the incense burner enters.
A jade tiger pulls the silken rope, drawing water from the well.
Lady Jia gazed through her curtain at the young secretary Han.
Fu Fei bequeathed her pillow to the talented Prince of Wei.
Do not let the spring heart contend with the flowers' opening.
One measure of love - one measure of ashes.

Li Shangyin
© Ian Johnston (transl)