Mirror

Once regrets come to mind

plum blossoms fall

Like watching her swim to the other shore

Like climbing a pine ladder

There is beauty in danger

Why not watch her return on horseback

cheeks warm

with shame. Head bowed, she answers the Emperor

A mirror awaits her forever

Let her take her usual place in the mirror

looking out the window, once regrets come to mind

plum blossoms fall over the southern mountain