Poetry · LT105

Regulated Quatrains

Concise four-line poems adhering to rigorous tonal meter and evocative imagery.

167works

6dynasties

76authors

Masterpieces

13 works

Tang

112 works

618–907

  1. Thoughts in the Quiet NightLi BaiLifting my head, I gaze at the bright moon; lowering my head, I dream of home.
  2. Clear and Even Melody · Part 1 (Clouds Recall Her Raiment)Li BaiClouds recall her floating robes, blossoms her radiant face; spring breezes brush the balustrade in heavy glistening dew.
  3. Farewell to a Friend · Frosty Night on the Reed WatersXue TaoIn watery reaches reeds glisten with night frost; chill moonlight and mountain peaks merge in deep azure.
  4. Lament on Colored SilkShangguan Wan'erLeaves are just beginning to fall over Dongting; I think of you, more than ten thousand li away.
  5. Red CliffDu MuHad the east wind not aided Master Zhou, spring in the Bronze Sparrow Tower would have locked away the Two Qiaos.
  6. Occasional Poem on Returning HomeHe ZhizhangLeaving young and returning old, my native accent remains while temple hair has thinned. Children meet me but recognize me not, smilingly asking: 'Whence comes our guest?'
  7. Farewell to Dong DaGao ShiWorry not that no kindred spirits lie on the road ahead; under heaven, who does not recognize your renown?
  8. Going Beyond the FrontierWang ChanglingThe moon of Qin, the border passes of Han; after ten thousand leagues of marching, our soldiers have not returned. If only the Flying General of Dragon City were still here, no barbarian cavalry would ever cross the Yin Mountains.
  9. On Ascending Stork TowerWang ZhihuanThe bright sun slants along the mountains and sinks; the Yellow River surges into the eastern sea. If you desire to see a thousand leagues afar, ascend yet another story higher.
  10. Departing Early from Baidi CityLi BaiWhile gibbons on both shores wail incessantly, my swift light skiff has slipped past ten thousand fold mountain ranges.
  11. Lotus LeavesZheng GuAs the boat moves, splashed water stirs the uneven green; leaning on the railing, the wind sways each fragrant stalk.
  12. Eight ExtremesLi YeMost near yet most distant are East and West; most deep yet most shallow is the crystal brook; most high and most luminous are the Sun and Moon; most intimate yet most estranging are husband and wife.
  13. Bodhi Gatha · Originally Not a Single Thing ExistsHuineng (Sixth Patriarch)Bodhi originally has no tree, nor does the bright mirror have a stand. From the beginning not a single thing exists—where then could dust ever alight!
  14. Gatha of the Body as Bodhi TreeShenxiuThe body is the Bodhi tree; the mind is like a clear mirror on a stand. Constantly and diligently wipe it clean, never allowing dust to collect.
  15. The SwordsmanQiji (Monk Qiji)Drawing my sword, I circle the leftover wine; the song finished, I go straight out of the gate.
  16. Quatrain · Quieting Essence and Energy to Nurture the SpiritLü Dongbin (Lü Yan)Still the essence, still the breath, and so nourish the spirit; let essence fill the cinnabar field and breath sustain the body.
  17. Invitation to Liu the NineteenthBai JuyiAs dusk falls, snow begins to drift—will you join me for a cup?
  18. Song of LiangzhouWang HanDo not laugh if we lie drunk upon the battlefield—since ancient times, how many warriors ever return?
  19. Army Life: Part IVWang ChanglingThrough a hundred battles in yellow sands, our golden armors wear thin; until we defeat Loulan, we shall never return.
  20. After Passing the Imperial ExaminationMeng JiaoProud in the spring breeze, my horse's hooves fly fast; in a single day I see all the flowers of Chang'an.
  21. Written at Wujiang PavilionDu MuThe young men east of the Yangtze were many and gifted; had he returned, rolling up the dust again, who knows what might have been?
  22. To Wang LunLi BaiThe water of Peach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep, yet not as deep as Wang Lun's feeling in seeing me off.
  23. Thinking of My Brothers East of the Mountains on the Double NinthWang WeiAlone in a strange land, a stranger among strangers, at every festival I miss my family twice as much.
  24. Night Mooring at Maple BridgeZhang JiBeyond the walls of Gusu, from Cold Mountain Temple, the midnight bell carries to the traveler's boat.
  25. Written on a Rainy Night, Sent NorthLi ShangyinWhen shall we trim the candle together by the west window, and talk of this night rain in the Ba hills?
  26. Pity for the Peasants, Two PoemsLi ShenWho knows that of the food upon the plate, every single grain is bitter toil?
  27. Written at a Village South of the CapitalCui HuWhere that face has gone I cannot tell; the peach blossoms, as before, smile in the spring wind.
  28. West Stream at ChuzhouWei YingwuThe spring flood, swelled by rain, runs fast at dusk; at the wild ferry no one is there, and the boat swings crosswise by itself.
  29. Viewing the Waterfall at Mount Lu, No. 2Li BaiIts flying torrent plunges straight down three thousand feet; I wonder if the Milky Way is falling from the ninth heaven.
  30. Deer EnclosureWang WeiThe returning light enters the deep forest and shines again upon the green moss.
  31. River SnowLiu ZongyuanIn a lone boat, an old man in straw cape and hat fishes alone in the snow on the cold river.
  32. Mooring on the Qinhuai RiverDu MuThe singing girls do not know the grief of a fallen kingdom; across the river they still sing "Flowers in the Rear Court."
  33. Black Robe LaneLiu YuxiThe swallows that once nested before the halls of the Wang and Xie clans now fly into the homes of ordinary people.
  34. Seeing Off Meng Haoran to Guangling at Yellow Crane TowerLi BaiMy old friend takes leave of Yellow Crane Tower in the west, going down to Yangzhou in the third month, amid mist and blossom.
  35. Gazing at Tianmen MountainLi BaiGreen mountains on both banks stand out facing each other; a single lone sail comes from beside the sun.
  36. Seeing Off Yuan the Second on a Mission to AnxiWang WeiI urge you to drain one more cup of wine: west of Yang Pass you will have no old friends.
  37. Spring DawnMeng HaoranIn the night came the sound of wind and rain; how many blossoms have fallen, who can tell?
  38. Mountain WalkDu MuI stop my carriage simply because I love the maple wood at dusk; the frost-touched leaves are redder than the flowers of the second month.
  39. Ode to the WillowHe ZhizhangWho cut out these slender leaves, I wonder? The spring wind of the second month, like a pair of scissors.
  40. Autumn Song, No. 1 of TwoLiu YuxiSince ancient times men meet autumn grieving its loneliness; I say an autumn day surpasses a spring morning.
  41. On the Chrysanthemum, Written after Failing the ExaminationHuang Chao (traditionally attributed)Wait until autumn comes, the eighth of the ninth month: when my flower blooms, all other flowers will die.
  42. Presented to Xiao YuLi Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang)In a fierce wind one knows the sturdy grass; in times of turmoil one recognises the loyal minister.
  43. As You WishWu ZetianOpen the chest and examine my pomegranate-red skirt.
  44. On the ChrysanthemumHuang Chao (traditionally attributed)If one day I become the Green Emperor, I will order them to bloom together with the peach blossoms.
  45. Written on Climbing the Wall of YazhouLi DeyuAlone I climb the high tower and gaze towards the imperial capital; even for a bird it is still half a year's journey.
  46. Qingming FestivalDu Mu (traditionally attributed)"May I ask where a wine shop might be found?" A herd boy points far off to Apricot Blossom Village.
  47. Cold Food DayHan HongAt dusk candles are passed out from the Han palace, and their light smoke drifts into the homes of the Five Marquises.
  48. Village Altar FestivalWang JiaMulberry shadows lengthen as the spring festival ends; every family helps a drunk one home.
  49. The Lodge in the Bamboo GroveWang WeiIn the deep wood no one knows I am here; the bright moon comes to shine on me.
  50. Farewell at the Yi RiverLuo BinwangThe men of that day are long gone; today the water is still cold.
  51. Song of Changgan: The Chance MeetingCui HaoI stop my boat just to ask: perhaps we come from the same village.
  52. Reply to the Prefect of WulingWang ChanglingOnce I was a guest in Daliang; I will not betray the Lord of Xinling's kindness.
  53. Climbing the Leyou PlainLi ShangyinThe setting sun is boundlessly fine; it is only that dusk is near.
  54. LongingWang WeiI hope you will gather many; these above all speak of longing.
  55. GrievanceLi BaiOne sees only the wet traces of tears, and cannot tell whom her heart resents.
  56. Seeing Off Zhao Zong at NightYang JiongI see you off, back to your old home; bright moonlight fills the river ahead.
  57. Mooring on the Jiande RiverMeng HaoranThe plain is wide, the sky sinks below the trees; the river is clear, the moon draws near.
  58. Calling on Yuan the Reminder and Not Finding HimMeng HaoranI hear the plum blossom comes early there, but how can it match the spring here?
  59. Seeing Off Granary Officer GuoWang ChanglingThe bright moon follows the good officer; the spring tide grows deeper night after night.
  60. Sitting Alone by Jingting MountainLi BaiWe gaze at each other and never tire: there is only Jingting Mountain.
  61. Written at the Yuan Family VillaHe ZhizhangDon't trouble yourself about buying wine; I have money in my own purse.
  62. Seeing Off Zhu the Eldest to QinMeng HaoranAt parting I unbuckle it as a gift: a whole life's true heart.
  63. On HistoryGao ShiHe did not know a man fit for the whole realm, and still saw him as a commoner.
  64. Reply to Li HuanWei YingwuIn the woods I finish reading the Changes; by the stream I idle, facing the gulls.
  65. Call of the Autumn WindLiu YuxiIn the morning it enters the courtyard trees, and the lonely traveller hears it first.
  66. Sent to Vice Director Qiu on an Autumn NightWei YingwuIn the empty hills pine cones fall; my recluse friend must still be awake.
  67. Written in the PalaceLi AngGazing from the height, my thoughts have no end, and no attendant knows them any more.
  68. Looking for the Recluse and Not Finding HimJia DaoHe is somewhere on this mountain, but the clouds are too deep to tell where.
  69. Behind Schedule on the Shu RoadZhang ShuoThe autumn wind would not wait for me; it reached Luoyang first.
  70. Song of QiupuLi BaiMy white hair is three thousand zhang long; my sorrow has grown just as long.
  71. For Attendant QiaoChen Zi'angPity the censor on his dappled horse: white-haired now, for whom was his valour?
  72. On the Double Ninth with the Army, Thinking of My Old Home in Chang'anCen CanFrom afar I pity my old garden's chrysanthemums, surely blooming beside the battlefield.
  73. Lament on the Jade StepsLi BaiShe lets down the crystal blind and still gazes at the glittering autumn moon.
  74. A Song South of the YangziLi YiHad I known the tide keeps its time, I would have married a boy who rides the tides.
  75. The Detached PalaceYuan ZhenWhite-haired palace women remain, sitting idle and talking of Xuanzong.
  76. Miscellaneous PoemWang WeiThe day you left, by my latticed window, had the winter plum begun to bloom?
  77. The Eightfold Battle ArrayDu FuHis merit crowned the land split three ways; his fame was made by the Eightfold Array.
  78. Autumn NightDu MuOn the palace steps the night is cool as water; she lies watching the Herd Boy and Weaver stars.
  79. Frost and MoonLi ShangyinThe Frost Maiden and the Moon Goddess both bear the cold, vying in beauty in moon and frost.
  80. Chang'eLi ShangyinChang'e must regret stealing the elixir: blue sea, blue sky, her heart alone night after night.
  81. Written on the Wall of an InnZheng GuTapping till her jade hairpin breaks by the cold red candle, she reckons he must have reached Changshan.
  82. Beyond the FrontierWang ZhihuanWhy must the Qiang flute lament the willow? The spring wind never crosses the Jade Gate Pass.
  83. The Jasper PoolLi ShangyinThe eight steeds run thirty thousand li a day; why has King Mu never come again?
  84. To Director LinghuLi ShangyinDo not ask after the old guest of the Liang garden: in Maoling's autumn rain, Xiangru lies sick.
  85. Because There IsLi ShangyinFor no reason she wed a husband with a golden turtle; he forsakes the scented quilt for the dawn court.
  86. The Golden Valley GardenDu MuThe falling petals still seem like the woman who fell from the tower.
  87. To Han Chuo, Administrator at YangzhouDu MuThe Twenty-Four Bridges on a moonlit night; where are you teaching a fair one the flute?
  88. Already CoolHan WoAn eight-foot rush mat and square brocade quilt; the air already cool but not yet cold.
  89. Song of the Spring PalaceWang ChanglingThe dancer from Pingyang is newly in favour; in the spring chill beyond the curtain, a brocade robe is bestowed.
  90. A Young Wife's LamentWang ChanglingSuddenly she sees the roadside willows green; she regrets sending her husband to win a title.
  91. At PartingDu MuSlender and graceful, just past thirteen, a cardamom bud at the branch tip in early second month.
  92. Light Rain in Early SpringHan YuFine rain on the capital streets, soft as cream; grass shows green from afar, none close by.
  93. Spring in JiangnanDu MuThe Southern Dynasties' four hundred eighty temples: how many towers stand in the misty rain?
  94. Song of a TravellerLi BaiIf only my host can make his guest drunk, I will not know which land is foreign.
  95. Peach Blossoms at Xuandu TempleLiu YuxiIn Xuandu Temple, a thousand peach trees, all planted after Master Liu went away.
  96. Revisiting Xuandu TempleLiu YuxiWhere has the Taoist who planted the peaches gone? Master Liu of last time is here again today.
  97. Listening to a Flute on Yellow Crane Tower with Director Shi QinLi BaiIn Yellow Crane Tower someone plays a jade flute; in the river city, in the fifth month, plum blossoms fall.
  98. On Night Duty at the SecretariatBai JuyiSitting alone at dusk, who keeps me company? The crape myrtle faces the Crape Myrtle Gentleman.
  99. Lament of the Changxin PalaceWang ChanglingHer jade-fair face is worth less than the winter crows, which still come bearing the sunlight of Zhaoyang Palace.
  100. Autumn Night SongWang Wei (traditionally attributed)Late into the night she plucks the silver zither with care; afraid of the empty room, she cannot bear to go back.
  101. Seeing Off Xin Jian at Hibiscus TowerWang ChanglingIf friends and kin in Luoyang ask after me: a heart of ice in a jade pot.
  102. Palace PoemBai JuyiHer rosy face not yet old, the favour has already ended; leaning on the censer cage, she sits until dawn.
  103. Meeting an Envoy Bound for the CapitalCen CanWe meet on horseback with no paper or brush; I ask you to carry word that I am safe.
  104. Master JiaLi ShangyinA pity he leaned forward at midnight in vain: he asked not about the people, but about ghosts and spirits.
  105. Easing My HeartDu MuTen years, and I wake from one dream of Yangzhou, having won only a fickle name in the pleasure houses.
  106. About to Leave for Wuxing, I Climb the Leyou PlateauDu MuAbout to carry a governor's banner off to the rivers and sea, I gaze from the Leyou Plateau toward Zhao Mausoleum.
  107. Peach Blossom CreekZhang Xu (traditionally attributed)All day long peach blossoms follow the flowing water; on which side of the clear creek is the cave?
  108. Lament of the Jade ZitherWen TingyunThe geese's cries pass far off toward the Xiao and Xiang; in the twelve towers the moon shines on alone.
  109. Spring PoemLiu YuxiWalking to the middle of the yard, she counts the flowers; a dragonfly lights on her jade hairpin.
  110. Hearing a Flute at Night on the Wall of ShouxiangLi YiWho knows where a reed pipe is playing? All night long the soldiers gaze toward home.
  111. Seeing Off Spring on the Last Day of the Third MonthJia DaoTonight, with you, there is no need to sleep: until the dawn bell has rung, it is still spring.
  112. Meeting Li Guinian in JiangnanDu FuNow, amid the fine scenery of Jiangnan, in the season of falling flowers, I meet you again.

Song

40 works

960–1279

  1. Summer Quatrain (Living as a Hero)Li QingzhaoIn life be a hero among men; in death be a champion among ghosts.
  2. Ascending Feilai PeakWang AnshiFear not floating clouds obstructing the view, for one stands on the highest heights.
  3. To My SonLu YouIn dying I well know all worldly matters end in void; my only grief is not beholding the nine provinces unified. On the day the royal armies march north to pacify Central Plains, in family ancestral rites forget not to inform your father!
  4. Visiting Mount Wudang and Lodging at Zixiao PalaceQiu Chuji (Changchun Zhenren)Zixiao Palace rests upon Mount Taihe; across thousand valleys and ten thousand crags auspicious mists thicken. In the silence of night when heaven is lofty and constellations draw near, a single chiming of the stone bell reverberates throughout the void.
  5. Visiting a Garden but Finding No One HomeYe ShaowengA garden full of spring cannot be locked away.
  6. On Huichong's Painting 'Spring River at Dusk', No. 1Su ShiWhen the spring river warms, the ducks are first to know.
  7. Leaving Jingci Temple at Dawn to See Off Lin ZifangYang WanliLotus leaves reaching to the sky, an endless green; lotus blossoms catching the sun, a red like no other.
  8. Written on the Wall of Xilin TempleSu ShiI cannot know the true face of Mount Lu, only because I myself am within this mountain.
  9. Mooring at GuazhouWang AnshiThe spring wind has greened the south bank of the river once more; when will the bright moon shine on my return?
  10. Thoughts on Reading, No. 1Zhu XiI ask it how it can be so clear; it is because living water flows in from the source.
  11. Drinking on the Lake, First Clear, Then Rain, No. 2Su ShiIf I were to compare West Lake to Xi Shi, light make-up or heavy, either way she is lovely.
  12. New Year's DayWang AnshiOn a thousand gates and ten thousand doors the rising sun shines bright; everyone puts up new peach-wood charms in place of the old.
  13. The Little PondYang WanliA little lotus leaf has only just shown its sharp tip, and already a dragonfly stands upon it.
  14. Plum Blossoms (A Few Sprays by the Wall)Wang AnshiFrom afar I know they are not snow, for a faint fragrance drifts my way.
  15. Spring Day (Seeking Flowers by the Si)Zhu XiEasily one comes to know the face of the east wind: ten thousand purples and a thousand reds, all of it is spring.
  16. The Fisherman on the RiverFan ZhongyanBut look at that boat like a single leaf, now seen, now lost among the wind and waves.
  17. On the Rising SunZhao Kuangyin (traditionally attributed)Before it leaves the sea floor, a thousand mountains are dark; as soon as it reaches mid-sky, ten thousand states are bright.
  18. On Mount HuaKou Zhun (traditionally attributed)Raising my head, the red sun is near; looking back, the white clouds are low.
  19. Cuiwei Pavilion at ChizhouYue FeiFor years dust has covered my campaign coat; I made a special trip to seek the spring and climb up to Cuiwei.
  20. Crabapple BlossomSu Shi (Su Dongpo)Afraid only that the flowers would sleep as night deepened, I lit tall candles to shine on their rouge.
  21. Flower ShadowsSu Shi (Su Dongpo) (traditionally attributed)No sooner has the sun cleared them away than the bright moon brings them back.
  22. Fallen BlossomsZhu ShuzhenIf only the Lord of Spring could reign forever and keep the blossoms from scattering on green moss.
  23. Early Summer, Away from HomeSima GuangNo willow catkins rise on the wind any more; only the mallows lean toward the sun.
  24. Waking from a Nap in Early SummerYang WanliLong days: waking from a nap with no thought at all, I idly watch children chase willow floss.
  25. A Scene at HandZhu ShuzhenThe crabapple has shed its flowers, the catkins have all flown; the drowsy days begin to lengthen.
  26. Farm FamilyFan ChengdaThe little grandchildren cannot yet plough or weave, yet in the mulberry shade they learn to plant melons.
  27. Autumn MoonCheng HaoThirty li cut off from the world's red dust, white clouds and red leaves drift at their ease.
  28. Written by Chance on a Spring DayCheng HaoOthers do not see the joy in my heart; they will think I steal idle hours to play the youth.
  29. Spring NightSu Shi (Su Dongpo)A spring night's moment is worth a thousand gold; flowers are fragrant, the moon casts shade.
  30. Sleepless Spring NightWang AnshiThe spring scene vexes me so I cannot sleep; the moon shifts flower shadows onto the rail.
  31. Attending the Lantern Festival BanquetSu Shi (Su Dongpo)Courtiers stand heron-straight in Tongming Hall; one red cloud bears up the Jade Emperor.
  32. Written by Chance at the Start of SpringZhang ShiAs the pitch-pipes turn at year's end, frost and ice grow few; spring comes to the human world, and grass and trees know it.
  33. North HillWang AnshiI count the fallen petals, having sat so long; slowly seeking fragrant grass, I am late going home.
  34. Clear Weather in SpringWang AnshiBees and butterflies stream away over the wall; I begin to think spring is next door.
  35. Written on the Wall of Master HuyinWang AnshiA stream guards the fields and wraps them in green; two hills push open the door to bring in their blue.
  36. Written at Huainan TempleCheng HaoA man of the Way is no mourner of autumn; let the evening hills face each other in their sorrow.
  37. The Mid-Autumn MoonSu Shi (Su Dongpo)This life, this night, will not stay fair for long; where shall I watch this bright moon next year?
  38. For Liu JingwenSu Shi (Su Dongpo)The lotus is done, with no leaves to hold up the rain; the chrysanthemums fade, yet their stems still defy the frost.
  39. Written at the South Tower in EzhouHuang TingjianThe clear breeze and the bright moon belong to no one; together they come from the south as one pure coolness.
  40. Grieving for SpringYang WanliYear after year I never have the eyes to look at flowers: if I am not sunk in sorrow, I am sick in bed.

Ming

5 works

1368–1644

  1. Chant of the LimeYu QianExtracted from deep mountains after a thousand hammer blows and chisels, roaring blazing fires are treated as nothing unusual. Unafraid even of having body shattered and bones ground to powder, resolved only to leave pure unblemished integrity to the mortal world.
  2. Poem Inscribed on Ink GrapesXu WeiHalf a life of destitution has turned me into an old man, standing alone in my study whistling to the evening gale. The luminous pearls beneath my brush find nowhere to sell, casually tossed and scattered among wild tangled vines.
  3. Going to the CapitalYu QianWith only the clear breeze in my two sleeves I go to court
  4. Written on HorsebackQi JiguangOf the three hundred and sixty days in a year, most are spent on horseback with a spear across my saddle.
  5. The Moon-Hiding Mountain LodgeWang Shouren (traditionally attributed)If a man had eyes as large as the sky, he would see the hill is small and the moon much broader.

Qing

7 works

1636–1912

  1. Bamboo and RockZheng BanqiaoClamping tightly upon green crags never letting go, its roots were firmly anchored in fractured rocks from the start. Enduring a thousand grindings and ten thousand strikes it remains adamantly firm, defying whatever winds blow from east, west, south, or north.
  2. Miscellaneous Poems of the Jihai Year: No. 5Gong ZizhenBoundless parting sorrow swells as the pale sun slopes westward; pointing my chanting crop to the east, the road stretches to the edge of the world. Fallen petals are not unfeeling things: turning into spring mud, they nurture future flowers all the more.
  3. Inscribed upon the Prison WallTan SitongSeeking refuge at welcoming doors recalls Zhang Jian; enduring death for a brief while awaits Du Gen. I raise my blade and laugh toward Heaven: whether leaving in exile or staying to die, our loyal spirits stand like towering Kunlun peaks!
  4. Inscribed on a Scroll Combining Qu Wengshan's Letters, Small Landscapes by Shitao, Shixi and Bada Shanren, and Baiding's Ink OrchidsZheng Xie (Zheng Banqiao)Daubed across and brushed down, thousands upon thousands of scrolls: few are the drops of ink, many the drops of tears.
  5. Inscribed on a Painting of PinesShi Jing'an (Eight-Fingered Monk)Heavy snow weighs down the branches; a solitary pine stands firm upon the freezing hill. Defying the frost it never yields, its verdant azure green illuminating thousand autumns.
  6. Miscellaneous Poems of the Year Jihai (No. 125)Gong ZizhenI urge the Lord of Heaven to rouse himself once more and send down talent without sticking to one mold.
  7. Tong PassTan SitongThe river, on the great plain, still chafes at its confines; the mountains, entering Tong Pass, refuse to lie level.