Autumn light, layer upon layer, fold upon fold,
Slipping stealthily through the three garden paths.
A sparse lamp through the window sketches far and near;
The fence sifts a broken moon, framing delicate shapes.
Cold fragrance holds the light—her soul should linger;
Frost-printed spirit—even dreams are empty.
Cherish the dark scent where footsteps crush—
With drunken eyes, who can see through the haze?
English titles, text, and notes are AI-assisted for reading only; for scholarship cite the Chinese and authoritative editions.
Annotation
From Chapter 38, composed by Xiangyun (pen name: Old Friend of the Misty Pillow) on 'Chrysanthemum Shadow.' The subject is the chrysanthemum's shadow by moonlight. 'The fence sifts broken moon, framing delicate shapes' is a masterful line depicting moonlight filtering through the fence onto the flowers.
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