Tang dynasty poetry

  • 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…

  • The Lonely Swan [Tang Poems]

    — Du Fu The lonely swan won’t drink nor eat, But longs to join its flock to fleet. Who will pity its shadow lonely, Astray in the clouds, it wails only. Out of sight, still it seems in view; Lost in grief, its song’s heard anew. What do insensible birds know? You hear only…

  • The Willow [Tang Poems]

    — He Zhizhang The slender beauty’s dressed in emerald all about; A thousand branches droop like fringes made of jade. But do you know by whom these slim leaves are cut out? The wind of early spring is sharp as scissor blade.

  • The Breeze [Tang Poems]

    — Wang Bo Soughing, the cool breeze blows; My wooded dell clean grows. It drives smoke off the rill, Rolls up mist over the hill, Leaves no trace when we part, And moves as if moved at heart. When sunset calms the scene, Hear the song of pines green.