Moon over the Mountains and Passes (Li Bai)

Moon over the Mountains and Passes (Li Bai)

The bright moon rises from the Tianshan Mountains,

Amidst the boundless sea of clouds.

The long wind blows for thousands of miles,

Sweeping across the Yumen Pass.

The Han descended the road of Baideng,

The Hu peered into the bay of Qinghai.

Since ancient times, these battlefields of conquest—

None have been seen to return.

The garrison soldiers gaze upon the frontier landscape,

Longing to return, their faces etched with sorrow.

In the high tower on this very night,

Sighs and lamentations never cease.