English中文
For Liu Jingwen
荷尽已无擎雨盖
The lotus has no rain-sheltering leaves left;
菊残犹有傲霜枝
The faded chrysanthemums still hold frost-defying stems.
一年好景君须记
Remember the lovely scenes of the year:
最是橙黄橘绿时
Especially this time of yellow oranges and green tangerines.
Meaning
Lotus leaves have faded and chrysanthemums are nearly gone, but their stems still stand. The poet celebrates the season of yellow oranges and green tangerines, when fading and ripening coexist.
About the poet
Su Shi was a Song poet. This poem to his friend Liu Jingwen finds beauty in late autumn too.