A Poem of Changgan Time Quotes

By referring to the arrival of the autumn and the changing landscape with its "fallen leaves," the speaker also emphasizes the passage of time. As she waits, nature changes around her, and there's still no sign of her hubby.

The speaker tells us exactly how much time has gone by since her husband's departure: eight months. That's a long time to be separated from our sweetheart. The speaker here also uses nature imagery to convey the passage of time. Butterflies have started appearing (which suggests that it might be springtime). The fact that they're described appearing "two by two" also highlights the speaker's own loneliness. The butterflies are in pairs, whereas she's separated from her "other half": her hubby—sniff.

The speaker's cheeks are "fading" because she's sad. But they're also fading because she's growing older as she waits for her husband's return. By describing how her looks might change, the speaker also indicates how much time is passing as she sits there waiting for her sweetheart.