Bai Juyi: Lotus Below the Steps

 

[updated September 2022]

 

Lotus Below the Steps

 

阶 下 莲
叶 展 影 翻 当 契 月
花 开 香 散 入 帘 风。
不 如 种 在 天 池 上
犹 胜 生 于 野 水 中。
Jie Xia Lian

Ye zhan ying fan dang qi yue
Hua kai xiang san ru lian feng.
Bu ru zhong zai tian chi shang
You sheng sheng you ye shui zhong.

 

Lotus Below the Steps

Leaves spread out, moon shadows carved onto the steps
Open blossom fragrances on the wind radiate into the curtains.
Did not like to be grown upon this celestial pond
Still can have a wonderful life on uncultivated water.