SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Tang Poems

  • Song of Jianjian

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    This page analyses Bai Juyi’s poem Song of Jianjian. It mourns a gifted thirteen‑year‑old girl’s premature death, exploring the bittersweet theme that the finest beauties and things in life are often fleeting and fragile.

  • On Freeing Speech, No. 3 of 5

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    This page analyses Bai Juyi’s poem On Freeing Speech No.3. Using Zhou Gong and Wang Mang examples, it argues true human character can only be judged by long‑term observation rather than superficial moments.

  • River Snow

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    River Snow by Liu Zongyuan is one of China’s most famous winter poems. Written while the author was politically exiled, it paints a silent snow world empty of birds and people. The lone angler on the cold river symbolizes the poet himself, preserving his moral integrity against hardship.

  • Song of the Thatched Cottage Broken by the Autumn Wind [Tang Poems]

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    — by Du Fu [Tang Dynasty] In the eighth month, the autumn sky is high, and the wind howls in fury,Tearing away three layers of thatch from the roof of my cottage.The thatch flies across the river, scattering over the suburban banks;The higher pieces snag on the treetops of the distant forest,The lower pieces…

  • Drinking Alone Under the Moon (1 of 4) [Tang Poems]

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    Amidst the flowers, a single pot of wine;I drink alone, with no companion near.I raise my cup to invite the bright moon,And with my shadow, we become a party of three.Yet the moon does not understand the joy of drinking,And my shadow merely tags along, a silent follower.For now, I’ll make the moon and…

  • The Old Charcoal Seller [Tang Poems]

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    – By Bai Juyi An old man, his face dusty and smudged with soot and ash,Burning charcoal in the Southern Mountains, his temples streaked with gray.Selling charcoal, what does he get?Just clothes for his body and food for his mouth.

  • Farewell to Dong [Tang Poems]

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    — Gao Shi Yellow clouds spread for miles and miles have veiled the day; The north wind blows down snow and wild geese fly away. Fear not you’ve no admirers as you go along. There is no connoisseur on earth but loves your song.

  • To a Friend Parting for Shu [Tang Poems]

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    — Li Bai Rugged is the road, I hear, Built by the pioneer. In front steep mountains rise; Beside my horse cloud flies. Over plank way trees hang down; Spring water girds the town. Decided our rise and fall. Do not bother at all!

  • Farewell to Uncle Yun at Xie Tiao Pavilion [Tang Poems]

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    — Li Bai What left me yesterday Can be retained no more; What troubles me today Is the times for which I feel sore. In autumn wind for miles and miles the wild geese fly. Let’s drink in face of this in the pavilion high! Your writing’s forcible like ancient poets while Mine is…