On the banks of Yangtse River willows celebrate spring.

But their catkins sadden those waiting by the ferry crossing.

At the Yangzhou stage coach inn, where we now part, a flute plays.

You heading for Bamboo Country, while I for Loess Land.

Yangzhou: On the north bank of the Yangtse River in Jiangsu Province is historically a town of wealth and culture.

Catkins: In old Chinese literature, willow catkins were said to be the tears of those being parted.

Bamboo Country: Hunan Province in China's South.

Loess Land: Shanxi Province in China's Northwest.