A friend sends her perfumed carriage
And high-bred horses to fetch me.
I decline the invitation of
My old poetry and wine companion.
I remember the happy days in the lost capital.
We took our ease in the woman's quarters.
The Feast of Lanterns was elaborately celebrated -
Folded pendants, emerald hairpins, brocaded girdles,
New sashes - we competed
To see who was most smartly dressed.
Now I am withering away,
Wind-blown hair, frost temples.
I prefer to stay beyond the curtains,
And listen to talk and laughter
I can no longer share.
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Comments
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Historically, it is believed that Li was not permitted to leave her home; she was punished because she did not remain married to her second husband. This information adds another dimension to the poem.
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She chose to hide from life. The "frost temples" is a wonderful expression for grey hair. Love the flashback moments shared with this friend, the enticements the friend used to see her, and the resignation of being "beyond the curtains" as a listener/observer.
The contrast between the friend and the poet in regard to the aging process is interesting: the former desires the venturing, and provides the means=generous spirit about her. The latter denies fulness; she settles for her created prison.
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