This poem is a reflection Li Bai wrote sometime after he was unsuccessful in government. He complains that the “royal winds” appoint only “twine and thorn” rather than more beautiful plants (such as himself). This is further reflected later in the poem when he writes …
Read MoreDu Fu’s “Gazing at the Mountain Peak”
Du Fu wrote this when he was young. The mountain he is referring to, Mt. Dai, is one of the five Sacred Mountains of China and considered the biggest, most important one. The poem can also be read symbolically of Du Fu’s ambitions to rise …
Read MoreLi Bai’s “Missing Spring Love”
This is a story of a woman living in the Yan province (looking out at Yan grass) thinking of her husband out fighting in the Qin province (where there are Qin mulberries). Spring is a traditional symbol of youth, joy, and love. Translation By Li …
Read MoreLi Bai’s “Under the Moon, Drinking Alone”
My Translation By Li Bai (701-762 AD) 李白 Under the Moon, Drinking Alone 月下獨酌 Among the flowers, a jug of wine 花間 一壺酒 Drinking alone, with no one close 獨酌 無 相親 Raising a glass, inviting the shining moon 舉杯 邀 明月 My shadow facing …
Read MoreLi Bai’s “Going Down Zhongnan Mountain”
This poem talks about Li Bai spending time with his friend, Husi, who lives in the mountains away from civilization. Translation By Li Bai 李白 Going Down Zhongnan Mountain, passing time with the hermit, Husi: a resting place and wine 下終南山 過斛斯山人 宿置酒 Sunset shades …
Read MoreTranslated: Du Mu’s “Early Morning Travel
My Translation Early Morning Travel By Du Mu (803 – 852 AD) I hang the horse’s whip and let him go along the way— It’s been several miles yet and too soon for the rooster’s cry. Underneath the woods, a falling leaf Startles and breaks …
Read MoreZhang Jiuling’s “Lamentation 4”
This is another one of Zhang Jiuling’s (673 – 740 AD) lamentations, with the red orange tree (cinnabar) symbolizing him and the peaches and plums symbolizing his political enemies. He was exiled far away while his political enemies enjoyed court favor. Translation By Zhang Jiuling …
Read MoreZhang Jiuling’s “Lamentation 3”
This is another one of Zhang Jiuling’s poems written in exile after he was in conflict with political enemies. He hopes to return to power and that the high rulers can hear his intentions and loyalty. Nonetheless, he loves the beauty of nature and being …
Read MoreZhang Jiuling’s “Lamentation 2”
This poem uses the flourishing plants of spring as a metaphor for a happy hermit’s life. In the poem, the flowers and trees are happy in the forest, smelling each other’s wonderful fragrance and have no desire to be plucked out of their environment. Likewise, …
Read MoreZhang Jiuling’s “Lamentation 1”
A Kingfisher Bird This poem is a story about a swan that flies free, not entering the water where he is an easy target for hunters. Meanwhile, he sees two glamorous kingfisher birds sitting in pearl nests on a tree top and warns them that …
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