On the day when the lotus bloomed, alas lyrics

On the day when the lotus bloomed, alas,

my mind was straying, and I knew it not.

My basket was empty

and the flower remained unheeded.

Only now and again a sadness fell upon me,

and I started up from my dream

and felt a sweet trace of a strange fragrance

in the south wind.

That vague sweetness

made my heart ache with longing

and it seemed to me

that it was the eager breath of the summer

seeking for its completion.

I knew not then that it was so near,

that it was mine,

and that this perfect sweetness had blossomed

in the depth of my own heart.