A Poor Girl

by Qin Taoyu

translated by E. Chang

A girl from a poor family has never worn a fragrant silk dress.

To arrange a marriage would induce her own self-pity.

Who would appreciate an elegant style and noble taste?

With whom could she face hard times in simple dress?

Without doubt, her sewing skill is beyond compare.

She vies with no one for the length of painted eyebrows.

With bitterness, she keeps embroidering year after year.

For other people's wedding gowns she must continue to sew.