Classic Poem

How many times has the moon shone full?
Lifting my cup I ask the blue sky.
In the palaces and towers of Heaven
What season is it tonight, I wonder.
I should like to ride there on the wind,
But I fear I could not stand the cold
Of those crystal domes and jade halls on high.
I rise and dance and make my shadow move:
How much nicer it is here!

Over vermilion chambers,
Through curtained windows
Shining on the sleepless—
The moon should not be blamed.
But why always full when friends are separated?
Men are happy or sad, apart or together,
The moon is obscured or clear, waxing or waning:
In this world perfection seldom comes.
I only hope that we can live long
And both enjoy the moon's beauty, though a thousand miles apart.