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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

This little poem by Lin Huiyin is very sad and meaningful and really touched my heart - especially when I read the little note you included at the bottom of it. Thanks for this, Mike!

Music Heard Late at Night

Lin Huiyin (1904-1955)

loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

for Xu Zhimo

I blushed,

hearing the lovely nocturnal tune.

The music touched my heart;

I embraced its sadness, but how to respond?

The pattern of life was established eons ago:

so pale are the people's imaginations!

Perhaps one day You and I

can play the chords of hope together.

It must be your fingers gently playing

late at night, matching my sorrow.

Xu Zhimo died in a plane crash in 1931, while allegedly flying to meet Lin Huiyin.

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