History & Politics
Thinking of the Frontier
Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell (1921) · From Fir-Flower Tablets (1921)
At what season last year did my Lord leave his Unworthy One?
In the Southern garden, the butterflies were fluttering in the young green grass.
Now, this year, at what season does the Unworthy One cherish thoughts of her Lord?
There is white snow on the Western hills and the clouds of Ch'in are dark.
It is three thousand li from here to the Jade Barrier.
I desire to send the "harmonious writings," but how can they reach you?
Cite this poem
MLA
Po, Li. “Thinking of the Frontier.” Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/li-po/94/.
Chicago
Po, Li. “Thinking of the Frontier.” Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/li-po/94/.
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