Classic Poem

Boats of orchid-wood float on the river;
young girls compete in gathering lotus plants.
Sleeves flap in the wind — fragrance pervades the air;
reflections ripple beautifully on the waves.
Parasols of kingfisher feathers
shield the girls from the autumn sun;
red makeup is lovely in evening light.
Here in Chiang-nan a new song will be sung,
transmitted through the generations of mist.