To the Early Mume Blossoms

早 梅

[唐] 齐己（许渊冲译）

Frozen are all the trees;

your warm root will not freeze.

In the village’s deep snow

Last night your branch did blow.

Fragrance oozed in wind light;

birds peep at you still white.

If you blossom next year,

You will foretell spring’s near.

万木冻欲折，

孤根暖独回。

前村深雪里，

昨夜一枝开。

风递幽香出，

禽窥素艳来。

明年如应律，

先发望春台。

[词汇] foretell

v. 预言，预测

None of us can foretell what lies ahead.

我们谁都不能预知未来。