Tang Poems

  • To the Early Mume Blossoms [Tang Poems]

    — Qi Ji Frozen are all the trees; Your warm root will not freeze. In the village’s deep snow Last night your branch did blow. Fragrance oozed in wind light; Birds peep at you still white. If you blossom next year, You will foretell spring’s near.

  • The Returning Wild Geese [Tang Poems]

    — Qian Qi Why won’t you stay on Southern River any more? Why leave its water clear, sand bright and mossy shore? You cannot bear the grief revealed in the moonlight By the Princess’ twenty-five strings, so you take flight.

  • Verses on Willow Branches [Tang Poems]

    — Bai Juyi A tree of million branches sways in breeze of spring, More tender, more soft than golden silk string by string. But in west corner of a garden in decay, Who would come to admire its beauty all the day?

  • 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…