Yi Soong-in. (14th Century)
My heart is full of sorrow, for the sound
Of crickets chirping gaily in the rain
Is like his laughter coming back again.
My eyes are full of sorrow, for the dawn—
A crimson tapestry on hills of jade—
Is like his robe of red and green brocade.
My house is full of sorrow, for the sound
Of all the voices in the courtyard seem
To mock his voice that now is but a dream.
Bat wings flicker in the moon’s last watch,
The ancient trees are still,
Waiting for dawn that comes within an hour.
So through my still heart flicker thoughts of you,
But I shall wait perhaps a thousand years!