时间以北慕城南故人以北爱荒凉
[shí jiān yĭ bĕi mù chéng nán gù rén yĭ bĕi ài huāng liáng]
'Shijian Yi Bei Mu Chengnan Guren Yi Beiaihuangliang' translates into complex emotions around time, memory, place, love and desolation: 'To the north of time I admire the city to the south, beyond old acquaintances to the north, there’s love desolate', suggesting melancholy reminiscences for someone cherished but now estranged, and feeling desolated in present times without him/her. The imagery of 'city’ here evokes memories and places linked with past romance. 'Old Acquaintances' suggests past relationships, while 'desolate love' signifies unreciprocated or lost love.