Ripples Stir the Awning

“Lament for Zhaojun: Chanting of Rain on Lotus Leaves” by Yang Wanli

In an afternoon dream, I drifted beneath the flowers in a tiny boat, their fragrance filling West Lake’s misty waters.

Suddenly, rain beat against the canopy, and I awoke with a start.

But it was only rain skipping across the pond’s lotus leaves, scattering pearls that gathered again,

Pooling into puddles of quicksilver, spilling in clear ripples.

I’ve transmigrated? Just like that? What era is this? Never mind, I’ll make the best of it.

But how will they make their mark in this unknown era and begin a dazzling new chapter of their lives?