Ode to the Plum Blossom

—after Lu You’s ode to the plum blossom, using the same theme but with a different meaning.

Wind and rain escorted Spring’s departure,
Flying snow welcomes Spring’s return.
On the ice-clad cliff of a thousand feet
A pretty flower still blows alone.

Pretty, yet she does not contend for Spring,
Only to herald its coming.
When the mountain flowers are in full bloom,
She will smile among them.