At Huangzhou (to the utune of Pu Suan Zi)

by Su Shi (1037 - 1101)

A crescent hangs over a tall bare tree,

The drip-timer has been set off,

And everywhere quiet.

A solitary figure wanders about,

Suggesting the faint shadow of a lone swan.

She's stirred to look back,

For she has some bitter thoughts,

That no one understands.

She has combed all cold branches,

On this cold, lifeless, sandy island,

But found none good to perch on.