1982 mid-autumn festival - Sister Xu and I went to Grandma Cho's for dinner and to look at the moon. In the deep of the night, the three of us walked in the yard; playing, talking, and eating. Even though we are in a foreign country, we got together for this festival. Grandma Xu was inspired and composed a poem, and invited me to compose lines to match it.
Without cause, a bright essence shadow in the middle of the sky
Super brilliant horizon, infinite thoughts
Four walls, music and singing heightens our imminent departure
Where is my old country, bright moonlight?
Noble essence, high up, hangs in the empty sky
Strolling along, step by step, our interests are the same
Chatting about the old country, remembering past traditions
I can't bear to look back, bright moonlight
Several times life changes, damages of war
Turmoil quiets, realize the emptiness of pursing a colorful life
Escaped from Qing dynasty, meet together in this paradise
Each of us, looking at the moon, meanings not the same
- A famous poem written by exiled, dethroned emperor Li Yu says, "I can't bear to look back at my old country in the bright moonlight." It was common practice to use allusions, as your words could be used against you.
- Qing alludes to wartime
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