Translation of Sudongpo's famous poem

When will the moon be clear and bright?
With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the blue sky.
I don't know what season it would be 
in the heavens on this night.
I'd like to ride the wind to fly home.
Yet I fear the crystal and jade mansions 
are much too high and cold for me.
Dancing with my moon-lit shadow
It does not seem like the human world

The moon rounds the red mansion 
Stoops to silk-pad doors
Shines upon the sleepless 
Bearing no grudge
Why does the moon tend to be full when people are apart?
People may have sorrow or joy, be near or far apart
The moon may be dim or bright, wax or wane
This has been going on since the beginning of time
May we all be blessed with longevity. Though far apart, 
we are still able to share the beauty of the moon together.



A soulful rendition of this poem is by Denglijun