One Thought, a Mortal Life · Stubborn and Foolish by Nature · 57 / 102
· No Words
Slow steps as the song ends; the dream leaves its old traces, and dusk is only now settling over me. The world smooths away the cold glint of the sword's shadow. Rain carries the magnolia's scent; the wind that scatters blossoms strikes, and the bloodied coat turns cold. To see the scorched earth, to come to know what life is — it all comes in a moment of panic.
Three rolls of the rattle-drum leap into the air and hurry me back to myself; a small stone, clear and bright, in the hidden pond. My heart holds a world in turmoil; what can tender feeling do but hide itself deep? If an old friend stood at your side, the years and festivals spent with you would never seem long. To be free of all that binds me, I follow you far away, to keep you safe and well forever.
Glosses—
Yè hé huā: also called the night-fragrant magnolia;
迸鼓 [bèng gǔ]: a rattle-drum.
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