By Su Shi (Song Dynasty)

I have already experienced many Winter Solstices,

While my childhood still seems like yesterday.

When I was young, I used to serve the brothers of my father,

Kowtowing to congratulate them on their birthdays made my knees ache.

I have come to the fading of life these years

The gray hair has grown and due to all kinds of diseases,

I am becoming older.

My father has three brothers, While I only have one.

The nearest relatives are on the other side of the river,

The furthest one is at the end of the world.

Today how lucky I am,

To meet a nephew from so far away

I still remember when you were a little child,

You cried and laughed for pears and chestnuts.

Now you are so imposing,

With will that is hard as iron.

The grandchildren have already grown up,

There is no end to this cycle

I feel detached after finishing this poem,

While my tears can’t stop.