A Chinese Poem by 宋之問 Sung Chih-wen and three English translations

渡漢江

嶺外音書絕
經冬復歷春
近鄉情更怯
不敢問來人

CROSSING THE HAN RIVER

Beyond the mountain there came no tidings and letters
Winter passed, and then went spring
As I near my village my heart grows more afraid
And I dare not inquire of those that come to meet me.

Translated by: Robert Kotewall Norman L. Smith

TREPIDATION

Back at last, after years of exile in the wilds over
the mountains - years of silence between me and mine.
How I dread making inquires as I get nearer home!

Translated by: Weng Xian-liang

CROSSING THE RIVER HAN

Exiled, I longed for news none'd bring
From the long winter to last spring
Now nearing home, timid I grow
And dare not ask what I would know.

Translated by: Xu Yuan-zhong