Willow
After Li Shangyin (813 – 858)

Leaves are awakened by spring,
and countless branches
are shaking at dawn.

Do we share our thoughts
the way willows share the wind?

I do not know if the willow loves,
but when it dances,
the brown fluff of its fingers
caresses the wings of butterflies,
and I think of you. 

When it dances, the bough releases
gold-feathered birds
into flight,
and I think of you.

This beauty shaking our kingdom
rules the blood of our mortal body.

At dawn, the branches of willows
draw the soft brows of your eyes
and that is why I am here.