Tune of the River Xiang [Tang Poems]

— Zhang Ji

The River Xiang unruffled in autumn looks wide;

The wayfarer at moonset leaves the riverside.

We see wayfarers come, we see wayfarers go.

Over white duckweed partridges fly to and fro.

Note

This is a short, lyrical poem by Zhang Ji (around 767- 830 CE), a poet of the Mid-Tang Dynasty known for his plain, vivid, and folksong‑like style. Set by the Xiang River in autumn, it paints a quiet, lonely scene of departure: broad, calm waters, a sinking moon, and a traveler leaving. The repeated lines “We see wayfarers come, we see wayfarers go” express gentle sorrow at parting. The poem ends with vast misty waves and flying partridges, leaving a soft, lingering sense of melancholy.

湘江曲
— 张籍

湘水无潮秋水阔，

湘中月落行人发。

送人发，送人归，

白茫茫鹧鸪飞。