Echoes of the evening rain

Resonates on the bedroom window

Like the sky, my tears fall too

Alone in my room once more

Lanterns surround me

They cast my sombre shadow

Oh, but I can still see two

We whispered promises

We traded secrets

But when will they be enough

For a mere princess like me can have everything

Everything but you

Don’t leave me alone with him

You know I only have eyes for you

And now I’m left with this white jade jug you gifted me

What more can I do but drink myself to sleep again

As I try to wash you down with something strong

Bitter like our star-crossed love

Sweet like your lips

I’ll savour this grape wine just to pass the time

If I get high enough

Will I be able to be with you amongst the stars too?

Forgive me, father

For you have taken away my only reason to live

My love, I coming to be by your side

Forever and always

 

 

This poem is based during the Tang Dyansty, during Emperor Taizong’s rule (618 – 626 CE). The poem is written by Princess Gaoyang (seventeenth daughter of Emperor Taizong) after the death of her lover, Bianji. Bianji is a monk who broke monastic rules as it is forbidden for a monk to have intimate relationships and hence, was executed by the order of Emperor Taizong. Princess Gaoyang was devastated and drowned herself in wine to numb her pain.