Yang Wanli: Rainfall in the Far Distance

Rainfall in the Far Distance

Clouds flourish around the peaks of Mt. Hui
Rain released in the foothills of Lake Hu.
Begin to worry that the rainfall may not come in my direction
But then it starts to cover me from head to toe.

Use my white-feathered hat and black wrap as a cooling device
Already sleeves and clothes deeply wet.
Back home watch the water gliding down the eaves
Like the rushing down off high elevation mountain peaks.

Thunderclaps broke open the wine earthen jars
Lightning illuminates the braided silver chains at each eave corner.
Quickly the water level reaches the lowest stair
Low-lying flowers half washed away from their corners.

Definitely know the farmland seedlings have had enough
Probably implies that the old farmers are very happy.
Usually late spring, early summer a time of drought.
When the dry air can be extremely cruel and unforgiving.

Already I had visited the mountains and river deities to pray for rain
Clouds pay no attention to me, just want to be left alone.
Both temple hair locks white from melancholy
From kowtowing, both knees have peeled and damaged skin.
If I knew of this early seasonal rain ahead of time
Then this man’s heart would not be so upset about them not listening to me.