The Poetry Corner

The Little Woman Of Clear River

By Edward Powys Mathers (As Translator)

Clear River twists nine times about Clear River; but so deep That none can see the green sand. You hear the birds about Clear River: Dik, dik, dik, dik, Diu dik. A little woman with jade eyes Leans on the wall of a pavilion. She has the moonrise in her heart And the singing of love songs Comes to her up the river. She stands and dreams for me Outside the house by the bamboo door. In a minute I will leave my shadow And talk to her of poetry and love. Song of Annam.