Lament for the capital by Tom Sharp

I’m only an old man, walking by the river, afraid to make any noise when I cry. The usurpers trust nobody and keep the gates locked. The palace banners used to fly freely, but that time has passed. I used to serve at the emperor’s side, but he’s a blood-stained wanderer npw. The city is covered with dust from the calvary of the rebels. I shouldn’t be out here, but the cattails are green and the river’s flowing.

哀江头 by 杜甫 (Du Fu)

少陵野老吞声哭，春日潜行曲江曲。 江头宫殿锁千门，细柳新蒲为谁绿？ 忆昔霓旌下南苑，苑中万物生颜色。 昭阳殿里第一人，同辇随君侍君侧。 辇前才人带弓箭，白马嚼啮黄金勒。 翻身向天仰射云，一笑正坠双飞翼。 明眸皓齿今何在？血污游魂归不得。 清渭东流剑阁深，去住彼此无消息。 人生有情泪沾臆，江水江花岂终极！ 黄昏胡骑尘满城，欲往城南望城北。