Su Dongpo: West Moon River

 

[updated September 2022]

 

West Moon River

 

西 江 月
照 野 瀰 瀰 浅 浪
横 空 隐 隐 层 霄。
障 泥 未 解 玉 骢 骄
我 欲 醉 眠 芳 草。
可 惜 一 溪 明 月
莫 教 踏 破 琼 瑶。
解 鞍 欹 枕 绿 杨 桥
杜 宇 一 声 春 晓。
Xi Jiang Yue

Zhao ye mi mi qian lang
Heng kong yin yin ceng xiao.
Zhang ni wei jie yu cong jiao
Wo yu zui mian fang cao.

Ke xi yi xi ming yue
Mo jiao ta po qiong yao.
Jie an qi zhen lu yang qiao
Du yu yi sheng chun xiao.

 

West Moon River

Remaining moonlight, shallow waves full and overflowing
From east to west, indistinct and horizontal layers of clouds.
This place so pretty, I cannot leave.
Proud, piebald horse, tied up by his saddle
I want to get drunk and sleep on the fragrant grass.

Value the moonlight reflected on the water
Do not want to ford the river and break what appears to be this wet, exquisite jade
Remove the saddle, lean against pillows near the green poplars and their bridge
One cuckoo bird sound, spring daybreak.