Classical Poetry
19 worksOrthodox classical Chinese poetry spanning archaic ballads to Tang regulated verse.
- Song of White HairWhite as snow upon the mountain, bright as the moon between the clouds.
- Song of Lament (Zhaojun's Lament)The autumn trees grow lush, yet their leaves wither and yellow. There is a bird that dwells in the mountains, gathered upon the thick mulberry.
- Han Yuefu · Southeast the Peacocks FlyYou should be as the solid rock, I as the supple reed; the reed is tough as silk, the rock shall never move.
- Han Yuefu · Long Song (Time Flees Like Rivers)A hundred rivers flow east to the sea, when will they return west? If you strive not in youth, you will grieve in vain in age.
- Han Yuefu · Jiangnan (Gathering Lotus)Jiangnan is ripe for gathering lotus, how lush are the lily pads! Fish play among the lotus leaves.
- Nineteen Ancient Poems · Walking and WalkingSeparation stretches longer day by day, robe-sashes grow ever looser. Longing makes one age, the years have swiftly turned late.
- Nineteen Ancient Poems · Faraway the Cowherd StarAcross a single pool of clear water, gazing in deep affection, unable to speak.
- Han Yuefu · Mulberries by the PathThe Prefect asked Luofu: 'Would you care to ride with me?' Luofu stepped forward and replied: 'How foolish is my Lord! You have your own wife, and Luofu has her own husband!'
- Han Yuefu · At Fifteen Conscripted into the ArmyConscripted at fifteen to campaign, at eighty I finally return. On the road I meet a villager: 'Who remains in my household?' 'Look yonder where your home stands—graves beneath pines and cypresses cluster row upon row.'
- Han Yuefu · By HeavenBy Heaven! I yearn to love you and be your soulmate, for a lifetime without end or waning. When mountains flatten into plains, when great rivers run dry, when winter roars with thunder, when summer falls with snow, when Heaven and Earth unite as one—only then would I dare part from you!
- Han Yuefu · One I Yearn ForThere is one I yearn for, far beyond the southern sea. What gift shall I send him? A tortoiseshell hairpin with twin pearls, wrapped with fine jade cords. Hearing you have turned your heart to another, I shatter and burn it to ash. Shatter and burn it, casting its ashes into the wind!
- Han Yuefu · Battle South of the CityBattling south of city walls, dying north of ramparts; dying untended in the wilds, for ravens to feast upon. Pray tell the ravens for me: 'Weep first for the fallen traveler! Left unburied in the wilderness, how could my rotten flesh flee from your beak?'
- Nineteen Ancient Poems · Wading the River to Pluck LotusWading across the river to pluck lotus blossoms, the orchid marsh is filled with fragrant herbs. Whom do I wish to send them to? The one I yearn for is far away on the road. United in heart yet dwelling apart, we shall grow old in sorrow.
- Nineteen Ancient Poems · In the Northwest Stands a Lofty TowerIn the northwest stands a lofty tower, its summit rising level with drifting clouds. Patterned latticework graces delicate windows, multi-tiered terraces rise three flights high. From above comes the sound of stringed music and song, how sorrowful the melody rings! I grieve not for the singer's bitter toil, but mourn that true soulmates are so rare. Would that we were a pair of calling cranes, spreading wings to soar high into the sky.
- Nineteen Ancient Poems · Bright Moon How RadiantThe bright moon shines how radiant, illuminating the curtains of my silk bed. Beset with grief I cannot sleep, gathering my robes I rise and pace. Though traveling afar is said to be joyous, nothing equals returning early home. Stepping outside the door in solitary wandering, to whom can I utter my sorrowful thoughts?
- Nineteen Ancient Poems · In the Courtyard Grows a Rare TreeIn the courtyard grows a wondrous tree, green leaves blossoming rich and flourishing. Climbing branches I pluck its blossoms, intending to send them to the one I cherish. Sweet fragrance fills my sleeves and bosom, yet the road is too distant to deliver. How could this blossom be precious in itself? I am merely moved by how long we have been parted.
- Song of Harmonious AccordI wish to be the rush mat, lying below to cover the square bed. I wish to be the silk quilt and curtain, above to shield you from wind and frost.
- Ballad of Resentment · The Round FanFreshly sheared fine white silk from Qi, spotless and pure as frost and snow, tailored into an joined fan shaped round as the full moon. Carried in my lord's sleeves to stir gentle breezes; yet ever fearing the arrival of autumn chill, discarded into the chest when love is severed halfway.
- Though the Tortoise Lives LongAn old steed lying in its stall still sets its heart on a thousand li; a man of valor in his twilight years keeps his proud heart undimmed.