poetic irony

  • To the Coinlike Golden Flower [Tang Poems]

    — Luo Yin You grow around a tree with a name bright, You cling together steeped in autumn light. If your flowers could be stored up like gold, The rich would pluck you down since days of old.

  • To the Willow [Tang Poems]

    — Luo Yin By riverside you see lovers part on fine day; They cling together but they cannot make spring stay. Your catkins waft in the breeze when your branches sway, Could you retain those who are going far away?

  • To the Cloud [Tang Poems]

    — Lai Hu You have a thousand shapes in flakes or piles in vain; Hidden in mountains or on water you remain. The drought is so severe that all seedlings would die. Why won’t you come down but leisurely tower high?