Book of Songs, "White Moonrise"

[the_grynne]

from the Book of Songs (Shi Jing)

WHITE MOONRISE

The white rising moon
is your bright beauty
binding me in spells
till my heart's devoured.

The light moon soars
resplendent like my lady,
binding me in light chains
till my heart's devoured.

Moon in white glory,
you are the beautiful one
who delicately wounds me
till my heart's devoured.

ANONYMOUS
C. 600 BCE

Translated from the Chinese by Tony Barnstone and Willis Barnstone