Meng Jiao: How Could This Grassy, Inch-Long Heart Of Mine E'er Repay The Grace Of The Spring Sun Fine? 孟郊 慈母手中線 遊子身上衣 Poem by Frank Yue

The Wanderlust Son's Song
- Meng Jiao (751-814)

Sewing needle in the hand of the Mother kind,
For a dress for her wanderlust son wild,
Is making tight and neat stitches as parting nears;
He won't return in a long time, she fears.
How could this grassy, inch-long heart of mine
E'er repay the grace of the Spring Sun fine?

(2020.12.20)

Another Translation:

YOU ZI YIN: The Wanderlust Son's Song
-- by MENG JIAO (751-814)
-- Translated by Frank C Yue

The threads in a loving mother's hand close
Gaping holes in her wanderlust son's clothes.
Closer, closer the stitches, as parting is near;
'He might be late, late in return, I fear.'
Even the inch-long hearts of the grass demand
Repaying the Spring Sun's nurturing hand!

遊子吟 孟郊

慈母手中線 遊子身上衣

臨行密密縫 意恐遲遲歸

誰言寸草心 報得三春暉