Fairy of the Magpie Bridge
by Qin Guan(1049-1100)

Thin clouds are creating works delicate;
Falling stars carry sorrows deep.
Over the vast, vast Milky Way,
Cowherd and Weaving Girl quietly meet.
Meeting in such a clear and sweet autumn night,
The rendezvous outshines many a worldly date.

Tenderness flows in the soul’s retreat;
Sweet hours melt their hearts away.
The short-lived Magpie Bridge is unbearable to see,
For on the magpie-paved bridge parting comes in haste.
Ah, so long as love keeps,
What differs, missing each other day after day!