The Willow-Leaf

I am in love with a child dreaming at the window.

Not for her elaborate house

On the banks of Yellow River;

But for a willow-leaf she has let fall

Into the water.

I am in love with the east breeze.

Not that he brings the scent of the flowering of peaches

White on Eastern Hill;

But that he has drifted the willow-leaf

Against my boat.

I am in love with the willow-leaf.

Not that he speaks of green spring

Coming to us again;

But that the dreaming girl

Pricked there a name with her embroidery needle,

And the name is mine.

From the Chinese of Chang Chiu Ling (675-740).