Ci Lyrics · LT202

Mid-Length Lyrics

Medium-length lyrics balancing rhythmic fluidity with evocative emotion.

9works

2dynasties

6authors

Song

960–12798 works
  1. Shuidiao Getou · When Will the Moon Be Clear and Bright?Su ShiMay we live long and share the graceful moonlight across thousands of miles.
  2. A Spray of Plum Blossoms · Lotus Blossoms FadeLi QingzhaoThis feeling cannot be dispelled: no sooner does it leave the brow than it leaps into the heart.
  3. Treading on Grass (Hostel in Chenzhou)Qin GuanMist swallows high towers, moonlight veils river crossings. Gazing longing toward Peach Blossom Spring, nowhere can it be found. How can I endure being locked in solitary hostel amid spring chill, beneath crying cuckoos in slanted twilight sunset.
  4. Su Mu Zhe (Burning Aloeswood Incense)Zhou BangyanUpon lotus leaves early morning sun dries last night's rain; resting clear and round upon water, one by one the lotus blossoms sway upright in breeze.
  5. Calming the Waves (Listen Not to Rain Pelting Leaves)Su ShiBamboo staff and straw sandals are lighter than horses—who fears? A straw cloak in misty rain suffices for a whole life. Looking back at the bleak storm-beaten place, returning home: there is neither wind and rain, nor fair sunshine.
  6. Jiang Cheng Zi (Dream on the Night of the 20th of the 1st Month)Su ShiTen years of life and death boundless apart; not intentionally brooding, yet impossible to forget. A solitary mound ten thousand leagues away, with nowhere to confide desolation. Looking at each other speechless, only a thousand streams of tears.
  7. Jiang Cheng Zi (Hunting at Mizhou)Su ShiThis old fellow for a while unleashes youthful wildness: left hand leashing yellow hound, right arm holding green hawk. Someday I shall draw the carved bow full like a round moon, looking northwestward to shoot down the Sirius star!
  8. Breaking the Battle Array (Composed for Chen Tongfu)Xin QijiDrunk, I trim the lamp wick to look at my sword; in dreams I return to battle horns blaring across connected encampments. Distributing roasted beef among warrior ranks, fifty zither strings play frontier songs. Autumn inspection on the battlefield. Fulfilling the sovereign's sacred charge to reclaim the realm, winning enduring renown before and after death. Alas, white hair grows on my head!

Qing

1636–19121 works
  1. Lin Jiang Xian · Planting Begonias the Day Before QingmingGu TaiqingAll worldly affairs drift away with wind and rain—let them cease, let them cease. Ancient traces south of Xima Terrace, overgrown mounds amidst partridge cries. Where are the wild poets of bygone years? Caressing carved railings in vain: when begonias bloom, do you remember ancient Jiangnan?