Poetry · LT104

Old-Style Songs

Flexible-meter ancient verse and sweeping lyrical song ballads.

275works

9dynasties

86authors

Masters & Authors

24 authors

Han

21 works

202 BCE – 220 CE

  1. Nineteen Ancient Poems · Walking and WalkingAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Separation stretches longer day by day, robe-sashes grow ever looser. Longing makes one age, the years have swiftly turned late.
  2. Nineteen Ancient Poems · Faraway the Cowherd StarAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Across a single pool of clear water, gazing in deep affection, unable to speak.
  3. Nineteen Ancient Poems · Wading the River to Pluck LotusAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)One in heart yet sundered apart, we grow old in sorrow.
  4. Nineteen Ancient Poems · In the Northwest Stands a Lofty TowerAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)I lament not the singer's pain, but grieve that true soulmates are rare. Would we were a pair of calling cranes, taking flight into the sky.
  5. Nineteen Ancient Poems · Bright Moon How RadiantAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Though distant travels be called delight, none matches turning swiftly home. Stepping out alone in hesitation, to whom could I confess my grief?
  6. Nineteen Ancient Poems · In the Courtyard Grows a Rare TreeAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Fragrance fills my breast and sleeves, the road too far to reach you. How is this blossom worthy in itself? I am only grieved by how long we have parted.
  7. Though the Tortoise Lives LongCao CaoAn 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.
  8. Song in Reply to the King of XiangConsort Yu (traditionally attributed)My king's spirit is spent: why should your lowly handmaid live on?
  9. Song of the SwanLiu BangThe swan flies high, a thousand li at a single stroke.
  10. Song for Lady Li (Is It She or Not)Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che)I stand and gaze at her: why does she come so slowly, so gracefully, so late?
  11. Songs of the Huzi BreachEmperor Wu of Han (Liu Che)Tell the Lord of the River for me: why is he so unkind, flooding without end and grieving my people?
  12. Poem of Four SorrowsZhang HengMy fair one gave me a gold-inlaid knife; what can I give back? Fine jade and gems.
  13. The Eastern City Wall Is High and LongMei Cheng (traditionally attributed)Yan and Zhao have many beauties; the loveliest have faces like jade.
  14. Orchids Grow in the Spring SunMei Cheng (traditionally attributed)My beauty is beyond the clouds; the road to heaven is barred, with no day to meet.
  15. Farewell to My WifeSu WuSince we bound up our hair as husband and wife, our love has known no doubt on either side.
  16. The Officer of the Feathered Forest GuardXin YannianA man may love his later wife, but a woman holds to her first husband.
  17. Peach and Plum by the Road East of LuoyangSong ZihouIn autumn we wither of ourselves, but in spring we bloom sweet again.
  18. Poems Sent to My WifeQin JiaHuman life is like the morning dew; our time in the world is full of hardship.
  19. Longing in an Empty RoomXu GanSince you went away, my bright mirror has dimmed, left uncared for.
  20. A Love Poem: For Whom Should I Adorn MyselfXu GanYou have gone and never come back; for whom should I adorn myself?
  21. Pledging LoveFan QinHow shall I show my devotion? With twin gold bracelets on my arms.

Three Kingdoms

10 works

220–280

  1. Singing of My Thoughts · Poem 1 (Night Cannot Sleep)Ruan JiThin curtains reflect the bright moon, cool breezes brush my robe. Pacing, what is there to see? Sorrow wounds my solitary heart.
  2. Seven Steps PoemCao ZhiBorn from the very same root, why oppress each other with such haste?
  3. To Biao, King of BaimaCao ZhiA man's resolve spans the four seas; ten thousand li are like next door. If love and kindness suffer no loss, distance only makes us closer day by day.
  4. Poem of Sorrow and IndignationCai Wenji (Cai Yan)From the horses' sides hung men's heads; behind the horses rode captive women.
  5. Poem of Sorrow and Indignation · Part ICai Yan (Cai Wenji)They hacked and slew until none remained; corpses and bones lay propped against one another. From the horses' sides hung men's heads; behind on the horses they carried off women.
  6. On Seeing a Boat Hauler at Qinghe Parting from His New BrideCao PiI wish we were a pair of yellow swans, wing to wing at play on a clear pool.
  7. Written at QingheCao PiI wish we were falcons of the morning wind, flying as a pair to the northern wood.
  8. Five Miscellaneous Poems · The Bright Moon Shines on the High TowerCao ZhiYou are like dust on the clear road; I am like mud in muddy water.
  9. Poem of a Cast-Off WifeCao ZhiWith a child, a wife is a moon crossing heaven; without one, a falling star.
  10. Two Poems Singing of My ThoughtsRuan JiThey wished to be a pair of birds in flight, soaring wing to wing together.

Jin

25 works

265–420

  1. Drinking Wine · Poem 5 (Plucking Chrysanthemums)Tao YuanmingPlucking chrysanthemums beneath the eastern hedge, leisurely I see the Southern Mountain. In this lies truth; wanting to speak, I forget all words.
  2. Returning to Dwell in the Country · Poem 1Tao YuanmingThe caged bird yearns for old woods, the pond fish pines for its deep abyss. Long in the cage, I return at last to Nature.
  3. Mourning the Departed · Poem IPan YueSeeing our house I think of her; entering the room I recall what she did there.
  4. Mount Tai ChantXie DaoyunMade by no carpenter and by no craftsman, this cloud-high structure arises of itself.
  5. Two Orchid Pavilion PoemsWang XizhiLooking up, I gaze to the edge of the blue sky; looking down, I sit by the green water's shore. Clear and boundless, the view has no limit; what meets the eye reveals its own principle.
  6. Matching a Poem by Lady BanFu XuanThat husband was not good, but this wife too was far too unbending.
  7. Five Love PoemsZhang HuaIn joy one regrets that the night is short; in sorrow one resents that the night is long.
  8. Two Miscellaneous Poems · The Spring Palace and the Empty HouseZhang HuaThe prince roams and does not return; the long road stretches far and remote.
  9. Two Poems Turning My Thoughts HomewardPan YueDo not say rare meetings mean estrangement: at a distance our bond grows ever firmer.
  10. Imitating 'A High Tower in the Northwest'Lu JiI do not mind the long wait standing here; I only wish the singer joy.
  11. Imitating 'The East City Wall Stands High'Lu JiOne verse, and ten thousand men rejoice; a second, and the dust flies from the beams.
  12. Imitating 'Orchids Grow in the Spring Sun'Lu JiIt holds its heart, true to the seasons' trust, and in the year's cold dares not wither.
  13. Imitating 'Far, Far the Herd Boy Star'Lu JiShe resents that river without a bridge, and grieves that the year is at its end.
  14. Imitating 'Green, Green the Riverbank Grass'Lu JiInto the empty room a sad wind comes; at midnight she rises and sighs.
  15. Imitating 'In the Courtyard a Rare Tree'Lu JiThe fragrant grass has long since grown lush, yet my fair one never returned.
  16. Imitating 'Crossing the River to Pick Lotus'Lu JiI pick and pick but do not fill my hands; far, far away I think of the one I love.
  17. Written for Gu Yanxian, to His WifeLu JiThe capital at Luo has much wind and dust; my white robe has turned to black.
  18. Written for Lady Zhou, to Her Husband the Cavalry GeneralLu JiMen have far-reaching ambitions; how would you know how I think of you?
  19. Written for Gu Yanxian: An Exchange with His WifeLu YunWith what shall I bind my inmost faith? I look up and point to the Pole Star.
  20. Miscellaneous Poem: A Cool Wind on an Autumn NightZhang XieGreen moss clings to the empty walls; spiders web all four sides of the room.
  21. Poems of Joined JoyYang FangOur love at its height could cut metal and stone; glue and lacquer are not so firm.
  22. Teasing a FriendLi ChongI hope you will deign to come on your jade feet; one visit is worth a thousand in gold.
  23. Hearing Clothes Pounded at NightCao PiSlender hands fold the light white silk; clear pestles strike the ringing block.
  24. Imitating "On and On, Going On and On"Lu JiI gather my robe and the sash hangs loose; I feel my body and it no longer fills the lapels.
  25. Imitating "How Bright the Moon"Lu JiIts shining has light to spare, but grasp at it and it does not fill the hand.

Northern and Southern

43 works

420–589

  1. Imitating the Hard Roads (No. 4)Bao ZhaoIs my heart wood or stone that it feels no pain? Swallowing my cries, pacing in hesitation, I dare not speak aloud.
  2. Imitating the Hard Roads (No. 6)Bao ZhaoFacing the dinner table I cannot eat; drawing my sword I strike the pillar in long sighs. How long is a man granted in this mortal world? How can I pace timidly with drooping wings!
  3. Climbing the Tower by the PondXie LingyunUpon the pond green spring grass sprouts anew; garden willows transform with warbling songbirds.
  4. Returning across the Lake from the Stone Cliff RetreatXie LingyunBetween dawn and dusk the air and light change; mountains and waters hold a clear radiance.
  5. Climbing Three Mountains at Dusk and Looking Back Toward the CapitalXie TiaoThe lingering clouds of sunset spread out like damask; the clear river lies still like white silk.
  6. En Route to Xuancheng Departing Xinlin Anchorage for BanqiaoXie TiaoAt the sky's edge I make out returning boats; among the clouds I discern the riverside trees.
  7. On My Wife Napping in the DaytimeXiao GangSmiling in a dream, her charming dimples open; her sleeping coils of hair press on fallen flowers.
  8. Imitating 'Meeting on a Narrow Road'Xun ChangThe eldest wife weaves white and patterned silk; the second wife sews gauze robes.
  9. Imitating the Ballad 'Green Grass Along the River'Xun ChangFirst it said: let each of us take care; then it said: we will long think of each other.
  10. Two Miscellaneous Poems: A Soldier's Widow and a Waiting WifeWang Wei I waited for you and you never came home; now I compose my face and go to the coffin.
  11. Seventh Night of the Seventh Month: On the Herd Boy and the Weaver GirlXie HuilianIn the Milky Way there is a divine pair who all year long cannot be together.
  12. Pounding Cloth for the Winter RobesXie HuilianI cut it with the knife from my box and sew it into clothes for ten thousand li away.
  13. Written in the Old Style: Damask Figured with SwansXie HuilianWe are joined like water in one cup: who could tell the Zi from the Sheng?
  14. After "On and On, Going On and On"Liu ShuoThe fragrant years have their flowering months, but my beloved has no day of return.
  15. After "How Bright the Moon"Liu ShuoThe river is wide and has no bridge; the mountains are high and the road hard to cross.
  16. After "In the First Month of Winter the Cold Air Comes"Liu ShuoOne page could not hold all it meant; read three times over, its feeling still overflows.
  17. After "Green, Green the Grass by the River"Liu ShuoHer husband has long been away on labour service; steadfast, she keeps watch from dusk to dawn.
  18. Ode on the Herd Boy and the Weaver GirlLiu ShuoTheir deep feelings are not yet poured out, and the flying light has already slipped away.
  19. Beneath the Moon on the Seventh NightWang SengdaThe joy of meeting cannot last the night; holding back tears, they weep at the dividing River.
  20. For the Weaver Girl, to the Herd BoyYan YanzhiIt is not the toil of shuttle and loom I resent; I only grieve that the blossoms fade.
  21. Poem of Qiu HuYan YanzhiIs southern gold not precious? Yet in her own mind she holds it light.
  22. Enjoying the Moon at the West Gate of the CityBao ZhaoOn the fifteenth and the sixteenth, a thousand li apart, you and I share it.
  23. The Mulberry PickersBao ZhaoThe bright prime is hard to bring back; for whom should a deep heart run dry?
  24. Going Home in a DreamBao ZhaoAsleep, the long road seemed short; awake, the great river parts us again.
  25. Imitating the Ancients: Before the Riverside Grass Turns YellowBao ZhaoThinking of this, how great is my sorrow! The night is long and the sorrow grows.
  26. On a Pair of SwallowsBao ZhaoWith a sad song they leave an old love; carrying mud, they seek a new companion.
  27. Two Poems for an Old FriendBao ZhaoCold ashes, once dead, may burn again; an evening flower is fresh once more at dawn.
  28. In the Manner of Ruan Ji, Infantry CommanderWang SuI send word to men in the flower of youth: favour and profit cannot be counted on.
  29. Imitating 'Green, Green the Riverside Grass'Bao LinghuiIn this life, who does not part? But I resent that you went so early to war.
  30. Imitating 'A Guest Came from Far Away'Bao LinghuiIts wood bears a grain of longing; its strings carry the music of parting.
  31. Written after a Letter, for One AwayBao LinghuiSince you went away, I sit by the window and never smile.
  32. In the Old Manner, for Someone of TodayBao LinghuiMy beauty will be gone in a single morning; only my unchanging heart will remain.
  33. Written for Guo Xiaoyu, Wife of the Monk Ge: Two PoemsBao LinghuiI hold the tears of a whole lifetime, through autumn and on through spring.
  34. On a Fan of the Seven TreasuresQiu JuyuanAs times change, the old is soon forgotten; as seasons turn, all vie to keep the new.
  35. Listening to the Singing Girls Next DoorQiu JuyuanAmong the clouds sweet notes ring through; on the tail of the wind lovely voices come.
  36. Two Poems in the Old MannerWang RongI waited for you, and you never came; autumn geese fly by in pairs.
  37. On the PipaWang RongIts strings carry thoughts and feelings; among the flowers it lodges spring longing.
  38. On a CurtainWang RongI always gather the smoke of the golden censer, and at times hold the sound of the jade zither.
  39. For Registrar Wang: Two PoemsXie TiaoHaving met once, she longs for ever, and would send her heart on fluttering wings.
  40. Matching Registrar Wang: A Lady's GrievanceXie TiaoOnce a single glance from you weighed heavy, and a thousand in gold seemed cheap.
  41. Listening to the Singing Girls: Two PoemsXie TiaoFull of feeling, their dancing moves slow; hearts inclined, their songs are drawn out.
  42. On a Former Palace Lady of Handan Married to a Menial SoldierXie TiaoIn dreams, suddenly, it seems she still speaks of being received at the private feasts.
  43. Autumn Night of Crickets and Fulling BlocksXie TiaoWho can bear to live apart so long? Autumn ends, and winter comes again.