An Autumn Evening in the Garden
By Li Yi
The Summer’s gone, but summer heat remains,
And sleepless nights still leave us all repining;
So to the garden I have moved my couch,
And on it I am peacefully reclining.
The white clouds spread themselves across the sky,
And through the rifts the moon’s soft light is falling
On dewy grass and flowers and trees around,
While from the towers night birds are faintly calling.
The gentle rustling of the tall bamboos
In subtle symphony of tone is blending
With the waters of the fountain and the brook,
Which flow and murmur on their ways unending.
While through the gauzy garments which I wear
The cooling evening breeze is gently blowing,
My feeling of contentment is more deep
Than when I’m where the ruby wine is flowing.