Since I took over this district
my temples have begun to turn white
the new year has added to my age
and the old year is a long way away
there's an extra season here on the Huai
it seems like the middle of autumn
the air in the valleys is warmer
and plants along the moat are sprouting
but there's nothing to do in my fancy quarters
even this fragrant stuff is depressing
the date I'll return is a mystery
or when I'll stop thinking of you