So near yet so far

Perfect full moon at dark night,

Ripples break to infinite pieces,

The moon and the lake's heart;

Still waters give back the moon,

And the lake's heart brims with joy,

Though ephemeral and fleeting,

For the lake it is soothing,

As it is always in anguish knowing,

It can never have the lovely moon.

Night ends and dawn breaks,

Shining silver turns to sparkling gold,

In the lake's pristine waters,

Blooms the pure pink lotus,

Atop a green carpet of leaves;

However deep the water desires,

It can never ever caress,

The bright beautiful lotus.

Like the lake that yearns for the moon,

Like the water that longs for the lotus,

I am in agony, my love,

You are so near yet so far!