Song of the Parting Son

游 子 吟

[唐] 孟郊（许渊冲译）

From the threads a mother’s hard weaves,

A gown for parting son is made.

Sown stitch by stitch before the leaves,

For fear his return be delayed.

Such kindness as young grass receives,

From the warm sun can’t be repaid.

慈母手中线，

游子身上衣。

临行密密缝，

意恐迟迟归。

谁言寸草心，

报得三春晖。

[词汇] delay

v.推迟，延期；延误，耽搁；（故意）拖延，磨蹭

n. 延期，推迟；延误，耽搁；延迟器

They were impatient at the delay.

他们对拖延不耐烦了。