Chinese Love Poems: the Fisherman / Autumn Evening lyrics

The earth has swallowed the snow

Again we see the plum trees in blossom

The new willow leaves are gold

The waters of the lake are silver

Now the butterflies powdered with gold

Lay velvet heads within the hearts of flowers

In his still boat, the fisherman pulls up his dripping net

Rippling the still water

He thinks of a girl at home, like a dark swallow in the nest

He thinks of a girl at home, waiting like a swallow for her mate

On this autumn evening, the white candlelight shines coldly on the painted screen

As she strikes the passing fireflies with her gossamer fan

The color of the steps of the courtyard at night is like cold water

And she sits watching the herd boy dally with the spinning maiden