鱼玄机

Yu Xuanji (844?–868?)

Facing the wind, she raises a sigh as the petals fall and fall;

fragrant thoughts all sink and vanish with yet another spring.

No one asks about them, because their price is high,

though even butterflies can’t come close to a fragrance that’s so strong.

Red petals that should only have grown in a palace,

jade-green leaves tainted by the dust of the road—

if only they were moved into the imperial gardens,

young nobles would regret having no means to buy!