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.
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.
Yes, a case of "so near and yet so far" if the reports are true.
Yes it is!