西江月.梅花 My Plum Blossom
- Julia Min
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 19
My Plum Blossom
--to the tune of “The West River Moon”
written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo')
En. trans. by Julia Min (Jul. 2025)
Her jade blossom thrives in celestial vibes.
Her crystal heart can clear the miasma mist.
Her sweet scent travels to fairy islands,
Attracting little fairies, green nut-hatches.
A born beauty will need no make-up tips.
No snow or rain can change her crimson lips.
She’s a cloud at dawn, free of attachments,
Never sharing a dream with pear blossoms.
For Appreciation
This is an elegy on a remarkable life, that of a 22-year-old woman known as Zhaoyun. Born in the enchanting city of Hangzhou, she embarked on her social journey as a talented singer and dancer at the tender age of 12. Historical records reveal her deep admiration for the renowned poet Su Shi, which led her to become his concubine at just 14 years old.
Throughout her life, Zhaoyun faced numerous challenges. Twice she was asked to stay behind, rather than accompany Su Shi into exile. Yet, with unwavering resolve, she smiled through adversity, embodying an enduring spirit. Her life in Huizhou was tough, with harsh landscapes and a miasmic climate that affected her health. She contracted malaria and tragically died at 34, leaving a legacy of resilience and grace.
In her later years, she embraced Buddhism, studying its teachings deeply. As she passed away, she recited: “Everything on earth is like dreams, bubbles, shadows and illusions, like dews and lightning.” In that moment, Dongpo knew she had transcended earthly attachments. He reflected that she had come to him to settle a karmic debt, and now they would not share an afterlife. Thus, he wrote:
She’s a cloud at dawn, free of attachments,
Never sharing a dream with pear blossoms.
Pear blossom, in contrast to plum blossoms, blooms in cozy spring among a ‘chaotic’ blooming world, which represents the centre of fame and glory. The personification here compares Zhaoyun’s spirit to the noble, pure and brave qualities of the plum blossom blooming alone in winter snow.
Among the three significant women in Su Shi’s life, Zhaoyun was the youngest and his true soulmate, inspiring him to create more works for her than anyone else. His celebrated work, “A Moment from Shine to Rain on West Lake”《饮湖上初晴后雨》, was composed for her. After her passing, he chose solitude, marking a shift in his poetic expression. Remarkably, he succumbed to the same illness as Zhaoyun, dying on the same date as their son, Dun. When offered a high position by the Emperor, Dongpo declined, preferring tranquillity in Changzhou, close to Zhaoyun's birthplace by Lake Tai. Unfortunately, he died soon after he reached their dreamed oyster cave.
西江月.梅花
原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋）
英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025年7月)
玉骨那愁瘴雾，
冰姿自有仙风。
海仙时遣探芳丛。
倒挂绿毛么凤。
素面翻嫌粉涴，
洗妆不褪唇红。
高情已逐晓云空。
不与梨花同梦。
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