Classic Poem

Green, green riverside grass.
Skeins, skeins of longing for the far road,
The far road I cannot bear to long for.
In bed at night I see him in dreams,
Dream I see him by my side.
Suddenly I wake in another town,
Another town, each in different parts.
I toss and turn, see him no more.

Withered mulberry knows wind from the skies,
Ocean waters know chill from the skies.
I go indoors, everyone self-absorbed,
Who wants to speak for me?

A traveler came from far away,
He brought me a double-carp.
I call my children and cook the carp.
Inside there is a white silk letter.
I kneel down and read the white silk letter.
What does it say in the letter, then?
Above it has, " Try and eat! "
Below it has, " I'll always love you. "