This poem is from The Book of Poetry which was written in Qing Dynasty. Those poems were written to be sung. I was inspired by my Chinese heritage to compose this music which is very personal, and it expresses the basic essence of human beings.
I hope you enjoy! https://soundcloud.com/xingyuyao/groove/s-1KnQZ
蒹葭蒼蒼、白露為霜。 Jian Jia cang Cang, Bai Lu Wei Shuang.
所謂伊人、在水一方。 Suo Wei Yi Ren, Zai Shui Yi Fang.
遡洄從之、道阻且長。 Su Hui Cong Zhi, Dao Zu Qie Chang.
遡遊從之、宛在水中央。 Su You Cong Zhi, Wan Zai Shui Zhong Yang.
蒹葭淒淒、白露未晞。 Jian Jia Qi Qi, Bai Lu Wei Xi.
所謂伊人、在水之湄。 Suo Wei Yi Ren, Zai Shui Zhi Mei.
遡洄從之、道阻且躋。 Su Hui Cong Zhi, Dao Zu Qie Ji.
遡遊從之、宛在水中坻。 Su You Cong Zhi, Wan Zai Shui Zhong Zhi.
蒹葭采采、白露未已。 Jian Jia Cai Cai, Bai Lu Wei Yi.
所謂伊人、在水之涘。 Suo Wei Yi Ren, Zai Shui Zhi Si.
遡洄從之、道阻且右。 Su Hui Cong Zhi, Dao Zu Qie You.
遡遊從之、宛在水中沚。 Su You Cong Zhi, Wan Zai Shui Zhong Chi.
The reeds and rushes are deeply green,
And the white dew is turned into hoarfrost.
The man of whom I think,
Is somewhere about the water.
I go up the stream in quest of him,
But the way is difficult and long.
I go down the stream in quest of him,
And lo! he is right in the midst of the water.
The reeds and rushes are luxuriant,
And the white dew is not yet dry.
The man of whom I think,
Is on the margin of the water.
I go up the stream in quest of him,
But the way is difficult and steep.
I go down the stream in quest of him,
And lo! he is on the islet in the midst of the water.
The reeds and rushes are abundant,
And the white dew is not yet ceased.
The man of whom I think,
Is on the bank of the river.
I go up the stream in quest of him,
But the way is difficult and turns to the right.
I go down the stream in quest of him,
And lo! he is on the island in the midst of the water.
English translation: James Legge
http://ctext.org/book-of-poetry/jian-jia
