Moon Festival

When will the bright moon appear?

Holding a wine cup, I question the blue sky.

I don’t know what time of year it is tonight

in the palace towers of heaven.

I would ride the wind and go there,

but fear those elegant buildings and jade eaves,

and that I couldn’t last in the height and cold.

I rise to dance with my pale shadow –

better to stay in the human world.

The moon around the cinnabar pavilions

comes low through silk-draped doors

to shine on the sleepless.

There should be no regrets for anyone,

so why are we separated for so long?

People have sorrow and joy, parting and reunion.

Like the moon waxing or waning or going from full to crescent,

since ancient times nothing has ever been perfect.

Nevertheless, I wish you long life,

So we’ll share a thousand kinds of grace and beauty!

Su Shi, (1037-1101)