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The spreading stalks fill the paddies as the days reach their longest;
Once again, they diligently tend the thick clusters down in the ponds. original: fangtang, literally "square ponds," referring to the irrigated sections of the rice paddy.
How one must pity their scorched backs under the sweltering, steaming heat;
Their only hope is that these green fields will soon send forth purple awns. original: zimang, "purple awns." The awn is the hair-like bristle on the grain; "purple" suggests the transformation of the crop as it nears maturity.
The red fire of the sun blazes through the long midday;
During the third weeding, scorched backs are turned toward the wooded pond.
Could there be a message from the cooling southern breeze? original: xunfeng, the "fragrant" or "meritorious" south wind, which in Chinese mythology is said to ease the people's burdens and cool the summer heat.
From the horizon, a slight warmth stirs the green awns.