《一剪梅》《离愁》李清照（1084-1155）丙烯，画布 198 x 396cm 2015

“The Sorrow of Separation”  Lyric to the tune of “A Cut of Plum Blossoms” Li Qingzhao (1084–1155)  Acrylic on canvas  198 x 396cm (78 x 156in) 2015

紅藕香殘玉簟秋,   輕解羅裳,   獨上蘭舟。

雲中誰寄錦書來? 雁字囘時, 月滿西樓。

花自飄零水自流, 一種相思, 兩處閒愁。

此情無計可消除, 才下眉頭, 卻上心頭。

        **************

红藕香残玉簟秋，轻解罗裳，独上兰舟。

云中谁寄锦书来？雁字回时，月满西楼。

花自飘零水自流，一种相思，两处闲愁。

此情无计可消除，才下眉头，却上心头。

Of the red lotus, only a faint scent remains, and the jade-green bamboo mat exudes the autumn chill.

        I gently undo my skirt and get into my canopied bed alone.

In the clouds, who will bring me the gentleman’s letter on fancy paper?

        When the wild geese return, flying in formation, moonlight will flood the west chamber.

The flowers wither away, and the brook flows on.

        A mutual yearning burns in two separate breasts.

There is no way to rid myself of such emotions.

        Just as I unfurrow my brow, these thoughts penetrate my heart.

                                                                                      ——translated by Alan Thwaits