Ode to a Cicada in Prison

Luo Binwang (626–687?)

In the fall, you begin to sing

to a captive overwhelmed by worries.

It is unbearable to hear you scratching

your black wings in a sad song

to a white-haired prisoner like me.

The autumn dew drops falling,

falling too heavy, you cannot fly high.

The cold wind drowns your melody.

Who comes to believe you’re so noble

and pure? Who comes to address

all the grievous wrongs afflicted

on an innocent man like me?