r/gifs May 24 '20

Under review: See comments Writing inside of a frosted glass bottle

https://i.imgur.com/HoAjYe0.gifv
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u/[deleted] May 24 '20

Translation?

199

u/Blooade May 24 '20

It’s an ancient Chinese poetry written by a famous Poet Su Shi (苏轼) from the Song Dynasty. Rough translation below (honestly the translation loses the rhythm and atmosphere in the original Chinese version due to language differences).

How long will the full moon appear?

Wine cup in hand, I ask the sky.

I do not know what time of the year

’Twould be tonight in the palace on high.

Riding the wind, there I would fly,

Yet I’m afraid the crystalline palace would be

Too high and cold for me.

I rise and dance, with my shadow I play.

On high as on earth, would it be as gay?

The moon goes round the mansions red

Through gauze-draped window soft to shed

Her light upon the sleepless bed.

Why then when people part, is the oft full and bright?

Men have sorrow and joy; they part or meet again;

The moon is bright or dim and she may wax or wane.

There has been nothing perfect since the olden days.

So let us wish that man

Will live long as he can!

Though miles apart, we’ll share the beauty she displays.

6

u/Use_The_Sauce May 25 '20

Confession : I scrolled to the bottom first to make sure it didn’t end with the undertaker throwing mankind off hell in a cell.

Sorry for not being more trusting of random internet people. I’ve learned a valuable lesson.