孟郊 慈母手中線， 遊子身上衣。 The threads in a loving mother's hand close Gaping holes in her wanderlust son's clothes.

【遊子吟】        唐 • 孟郊       
 

   慈母手中線，    
   遊子身上衣。
   臨行密密縫，    
   意恐遲遲歸。
   誰言寸草心，    
   報得三春暉。 

YOU ZI YIN: "The Wanderlust Son's Song"   
-- by MENG JIAO (751-814)
-- Translated by Frank C Yue

The threads in a loving mother's hand close             
Gaping holes in her wanderlust son's clothes.      
Closer, closer the stitches, as parting is near;              
"He might be late, late in return, I fear."          
Even the inch-long hearts of the grass demand    
Repaying the Spring Sun's nurturing hand!