烈烈北风凉。
展转不能寐，
Fierce, and fierce indeed the northern wind blows. I toss and turn, unable to fall asleep;
披衣起彷徨。
彷徨忽已久，
I rise and roam in thoughts profound and deep. When I wander in the open air,
白露沾我裳。
俯视清水波，
The heavy dew-drops soak the coat I wear. When I look down, the stream comes into sight;
仰看明月光。
天汉回西流，
When I look up, the moon is shedding light. When the Milky Way points to the west,
三五正纵横。
草虫鸣何悲，
The stars are twinkling sparsely at their best. In the grass, the crickets make their moan;
孤雁独南翔。
郁郁多悲思，
In the sky, a swan flies south alone. With a sea of woe and pain I roam,
绵绵思故乡。
愿飞安得翼，
Obsessed by thoughts profound and deep for home. Without my wings, I cannot sour o'er ridges;
欲济河无梁。
向风长叹息，
I cannot cross the streams without the bridges. Toward the wind I heave a long, long sigh;
断绝我中肠。
I can't suppress my sorrow though I try.