Easing My Grief: No. 2
English translation and interpretation are being reviewed.
今朝都到眼前来。
衣裳已施行看尽，
针线犹存未忍开。
尚想旧情怜婢仆，
也曾因梦送钱财。
诚知此恨人人有，
贫贱夫妻百事哀。
English translation
What we once said in jest of the days after death has today all come before my eyes.
Your clothes are almost all given away, your needlework remains, I cannot bear to open it.
Still mindful of old affection, I cherish your maids, and, because of dreams, I have sent you money.
Truly I know this grief comes to everyone, but for a couple who shared hard times, all things are sorrow.
Meaning
In former days we once joked about how things would be arranged after our deaths, and now it has all turned out as you said. The clothes you wore have almost all been given away, and your needlework box I keep and cannot bear to open. Because I remember you I am especially tender toward the maids and servants, and I have dreamed of you and sent you money. I know well that everyone in the world knows the grief of death's parting, but for a husband and wife who shared hardship it is bitterer still.
Background
Read the background
These three poems were written in about 811 (the sixth year of the Yuanhe era), when Yuan Zhen was serving as investigating censor in charge of the eastern station; another account holds that the group was written in 822 (the second year of the Changqing era). They were written by Yuan Zhen in memory of his deceased first wife.