• To the Peony Flower [Tang Poems]

    — Xue Tao Petal by petal you fell in late spring last year; Since you are gone, my paper’s wet with tear on tear. I am afraid you’d vanish like cloud in a dream. How can I wish to see you on Peach Blossom Stream? Your fragrance sweet reveals you have a loving heart;…

  • The Husband-Watching Rock [Tang Poems]

    — Wang Jian Waiting for him alone Where the river goes by, She turns into a stone Gazing with longing eye. Atop the hill from day to day come wind and rain; The stone should speak to see her husband come again.

  • Praying for Rain [Tang Poems]

    — Li Yue No leaves sprout from mulberry trees on drought-scorched earth; Flutes and pipes are played to evoke the Rain God’s mirth. But the rich see dances and hear songstresses sing; They only fear rain clouds would damage their lute string.

  • Swallows in the Sui Palace [Tang Poems]

    — Li Yi The swallows’ twitter seems to grieve over the old dynasty’s spring; To dust have returned palace flowers on the wing. Since the overthrown dynasty closed its splendid scene, They have come many times but nobody is seen.

  • The Play of the Chinese Zither [Tang Poems]

    — Li Duan How clear the golden zither rings, When her fair fingers touch its strings! To draw attention from the prodigy‌ Zhou, Now and then she strikes a discord.

  • To the Swallows Coming to My Boat [Tang Poems]

    — Du Fu Another spring in boat I stay; Again swallows peck clods of clay. You know me in my native land; Now gazing from afar you stand. Ah, here and there you build your nest; Now and again I find no rest. You greet me and then leave the mast; My tears stream…