Tian Jing Sha * Qiu Si

Tian Jing Sha * Qiu Si

天净沙· 秋思

English version 1:

枯藤老树昏鸦, ku teng lao shu hun ya,

Autumn Crows hovering over rugged trees wreathed with rotten vine― the day is about done.

小桥流水人家，xiao qiao liu shui ren jia,

Yonder is a tiny bridge over a sparkling stream，and on the far bank，a pretty little village.

古道西风瘦马。gu dao xi feng shou ma。

But the traveler has to go on down this ancient road，the west wind moaning，his bony horse groaning，

夕阳西下，xi yang xi xia,

Trudging towards the sinking sun，

断肠人在天涯。duan chang ren zai tian ya.

Farther and farther away from home.”

This version is not like a true poem but story-like.

Version 2:

Tune to Sand and Sky

― Autumn Thoughts

Dry vine,old tree,crows at dusk，

Low bridge,stream running,cottages，

Ancient road,west wind,lean nag，

The sun westering，

And one with breaking heart at the sky’s edge.”

These nine nominal phrases conveys the nine images in the form of nine Chinese nominal phrases which is much alike in form. 

Version 3:

Tune-----Tian Jing Sha

Withered vines hanging on old branches, Returning crows croaking at dusk.

A few houses hidden past a narrow bridge, and below the bridge quiet creek running.

Down a worn path,in the west wind. A lean horse comes plodding.
The sun dips down in the west，

And the lovesick traveler is still at the end of the world.

This version more faithfully and smoothly expresses the original idea.