Withered lotuses have had no leaves holding up rain;
Faded mums still have stems facing frost with disdain.
O friend, the nice view of the year you should know,
Just when yellow oranges and green tangerines grow.
As dying lotus falls down its last leaf holding rain,
Fading mums still perk their proud stalks against rime.
O, friend, remember a year its extraordinary time
Just when oranges turn golden and tangerines get green.