Tune of the Mountain Goddess [Tang Poems]

— Meng Jiao

Going upstream, I see mountain on mountain high;

The twelve green peaks with Sunny Terrace scrape the sky.

The king in hunting caught by sudden evening shower

Slept there and dreamed of the Goddess in Sunny Bower.

To her charm added the mist-veiled rainbow dress bright;

Away she flew with faded stars and clouds in flight.

However far I stretch my eyes, she can’t be found;

Hearing the monkey’s wail, in longing tears I’m drowned.

Note

Song of Wushan (Tune of the Mountain Goddess) is a poem by Meng Jiao, a famous poet of the Tang Dynasty. It describes the misty, mysterious scenery of the Wu Gorge and the legendary love story of the Goddess of Wushan. The poem is full of deep feeling, beautiful imagery, and a touch of sorrow, showing the poet’s delicate and melancholy style.

巫山曲
— 孟郊

巴江上峡重复重，

阳台碧峭十二峰。

荆王猎时逢暮雨，

夜卧高丘梦神女。

轻红流烟湿艳姿，

行云飞去明星稀。

目极魂断望不见，

猿啼三声泪滴衣。