Yue Lao Fortune Poems - Eleventh Fortune Stick - Interpreting


Eleventh Fortune Stick

Moderate

Cutting banana leaves to write Buddhist scriptures, golden lotuses no longer print in the courtyard.

The gentle breeze and bright moon are long remembered, the jade flute and red strings should be heard. Sickly, unable to bear thin clothing, the old makeup still lingers as one wakes from the initial drink.

Years pass with no news, lying down to watch the Cowherd and Weaver Girl stars.

Reading the Fortune Stick Poem

The previous line is about cutting banana leaves to write Buddhist scriptures. The gentle breeze and bright moon are long remembered, reminiscing about the past years. Fantasizing about one's future, all of which are futile. This scene is like a sick person wearing thin clothes, the old makeup still present after waking from the initial drink. It is better to focus on one's health. With a healthy body comes a healthy mind, and only then can new opportunities arise.

Note: The past is gone, the future can be pursued. Only by doing so can new opportunities arise.

Interpreting the Poem

This fortune stick is complex, involving aspects beyond love. It describes someone quietly engaging in Buddhist practices while reminiscing about past love. The mention of golden lotuses, jade flutes, and red strings are symbols of love. However, the poem ends with the mention of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl, implying that the love has passed and remains only in memories. The poem's main theme is that while time passes, the pursuit and memory of beautiful love will never disappear.