西江月.梅花 My Plum Blossom

My Plum Blossom

--to the tune of “The West River Moon”

written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo')

En. trans. by Julia Min (Jul. 2025)

Her jade blossom thrives in celestial vibes.

Her crystal heart can clear the miasma mist.

Her sweet scent travels to fairy islands,

Attracting little fairies, green nut-hatches.

A born beauty will need no make-up tips.

No snow or rain can change her crimson lips.

She’s a cloud at dawn, free of attachments,

Never sharing a dream with pear blossoms.

For Appreciation

This is an elegy on a remarkable life, that of a 22-year-old woman known as Zhaoyun. Born in the enchanting city of Hangzhou, she embarked on her social journey as a talented singer and dancer at the tender age of 12. Historical records reveal her deep admiration for the renowned poet Su Shi, which led her to become his concubine at just 14 years old.

Throughout her life, Zhaoyun faced numerous challenges. Twice she was asked to stay behind, rather than accompany Su Shi into exile. Yet, with unwavering resolve, she smiled each time, embodying an enduring spirit that shone brightly even in the face of adversity.

Her life in Huizhou was fraught with hardship; the barren landscape and miasmic climate contributed to a struggle for survival. Unfortunately, the poor living conditions took a toll on her health, leading to her contracting malaria, a common affliction in that region. Tragically, she was only 34 when she was liberated from all earthly suffering, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and grace.

In her later years, she embraced Buddhism, studying its teachings deeply. As she passed away, she recited: “Everything on earth is like dreams, bubbles, shadows and illusions, like dews and lightning.” In that moment, Dongpo realised she had transcended earthly attachments. He reflected that she had come to him to settle a karmic debt, and now they would not share an afterlife. Thus, he wrote:

She’s a cloud at dawn, free of attachments,

Never sharing a dream with pear blossoms.

Unlike the plum blossoms, symbolising purity and resilience in winter, pear blossoms thrive in spring's chaos, representing fashion and fame. This contrast emphasises Zhaoyun’s noble spirit, embodying the strength of the plum blossom amidst worldly miseries.

Among the three significant women in Su Shi’s life, Zhaoyun was the youngest and his true soulmate, inspiring him to create more works for her than anyone else. His celebrated work, “A Moment from Shine to Rain on West Lake” (《饮湖上初晴后雨》), emerged during this time, reflecting his heartache in July 1096 as he neared sixty. After her passing, he chose solitude, and his poems gradually lost the robust heroic style he represented.

Remarkably, he succumbed to the same illness as Zhaoyun, dying on the same date as their son, Dun. When offered a high position by the Emperor, Dongpo declined, preferring tranquillity in Changzhou, near Lake Tai and Zhaoyun's birthplace, unaware he would leave this world upon reaching their dreamed oyster cave.

西江月.梅花

原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋）

英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025年7月)

玉骨那愁瘴雾，

冰姿自有仙风。

海仙时遣探芳丛。

倒挂绿毛么凤。

素面翻嫌粉涴，

洗妆不褪唇红。

高情已逐晓云空。

不与梨花同梦。

Reference:

1. http://www.360doc.com 洋房居士