Ouyang Xiu: Short Version of Tree Orchids: No. 5

Short Version of Tree Orchids: No. 5

减 字 木 兰 花

(5)

歌 檀 敛 袂。
缭 绕 雕 梁 尘 暗 起。
柔 润 清 圆。
百 琲 明 珠 一 线 穿。

樱 唇 玉 齿。
天 上 仙 音 心 下 事。
留 住 行 云。
满 座 迷 魂 酒 半 醺。

Jian Zi Mu Lan Hua

(5)

Ge tan lian mei
Liao rao diao liang chen an qi.
Rou run qing yuan.
Bai bei ming zhu yi xian chuan.

Ying chun yu chi
Tian shang xian yin xin xia shi.
Liu zhu heng yun.
Man zuo mi hun jiu ban xun.

Short Version of Tree Orchids: No. 5

She collects herself from stage dancing, sleeves at rest
Sounds curl up and around the carved roof beams like rising smoke.
Voice soft and supple, clear and complete
One hundred threaded pearl strings.

Cherry red lips, jade white teeth
Heavenly immortal voices come down to human heart-minds.
Even the clouds stop to listen
Audience half drunk and lost inside her performance.