Evening View of a Snow Scene [Tang Poems]

— Jia Dao

Cane in hand, I gaze on fine snow;

Cloud on cloud spreads over the creek.

To snow-covered cots woodmen go;

The sun sets on the frowning peak.

In the wildfire bums the grass dried;

Mid rocks and pines smoke and mist rise.

Back to the temple by the hillside,

I hear bells ring in evening skies.

Note

Jia Dao (779–843 CE) was a distinctive poet of the mid-Tang Dynasty, famous for his meticulous craftsmanship, austere style, and deep engagement with solitude, nature, and Buddhist sensibilities. Once a monk before returning to secular life, Jia Dao is best known for his obsession with poetic precision – legend says he agonized over whether to use “push” or “knock” in a line (giving rise to the Chinese idiom “tui qiao” for careful word choice). His poetry often evokes stillness, quietude, and the subtle beauty of overlooked moments.

One of his admired works is “Evening View After a Snowfall” (Xue Qing Wan Wang). Set in a mountain monastery after a fresh snow, the poem paints a hushed winter landscape: snow-covered peaks glow under fading light, frozen clouds hang motionless, a lone woodcutter descends the trail, and temple bells echo through the crisp air. Wildfires sweep across the hillside grass, while wisps of smoke rise through the stone pines – all observed by the poet from a quiet vantage point. The scene is serene yet vivid, blending visual clarity with spiritual calm. Rather than expressing strong emotion, the poem invites contemplation, embodying the Zen-like restraint that characterizes much of Jia Dao’s work.

雪晴晚望
— 贾岛

倚杖望晴雪，

溪云几万重。

樵人归白屋，

寒日下危峰。

野火烧冈草，

断烟生石松。

却回山寺路，

闻打暮天钟。