Descending the Mountain with a Blade

Pear blossoms bloom as spring rain drizzles. Two childhood friends play with bamboo horses. They share a wedding cup, a phoenix hairpin in place. The spring night is too short, the drums of war sound. Enemies invade, the nation is in peril. We swear to defend our homeland. We grip our spears and don rhinoceros-hide armor. Chariots clash, blades meet at close quarters. Banners blot out the sun, the enemy gathers like clouds. Arrows fill the sky, our soldiers charge ahead. Truly brave and mighty in battle, Who could ever dare oppress us? We carry bows and wear long swords. Though our heads are severed, our resolve remains unbroken. Though our bodies die, our spirits endure. Even as ghosts, our souls remain fierce. We’ll bathe in blood as we fight at Dragon City. My beloved, when will you return? Dongting’s waves fall, yellow leaves drift. At dusk, a beauty confides her heart’s sorrow. A white rainbow rises beneath the bright moon. The wind blows through the willows without rest. South of the river, green; north of the river, wide. The farmer hoes the fields, then returns home.