A Small Garden

Over the balcony the cool moon shone bright
The fence gate was still ajar in this young night
Strolling lantern through the woods ushered my guest
Rising smokes from the bamboo bush responded to my tea request
Scattered dog barks accompanied falling meteors from the Autumn sky
Whiffs of wind carried melancholic tune from distant flute
We sat and talked long and deep till dawn crept upon us
The green moss was full with cold dew crimsoned by aurora of twilight

A poem by Zhen Ban Chiao
Painter & poet in the Ching Dynasty