32 Playful verses for Master Shinyan at Grass Pavilion戏题枢言草阁三十二韵
君家在河北， jūn jiā zài hé běi，
我家在山西。 wǒ jiā zài shān xī。
百岁本无业， bǎi suì běn wú yè，
阴阴仙李枝。 yīn yīn xiān lǐ zhī。
尚书文与武， shàng shū wén yǔ wǔ，
战罢幕府开。 zhàn bà;ba mù fǔ kāi。
君从渭南至， jūn cóng;zòng;cōng wèi nán zhì，
我自仙游来。 wǒ zì xiān yóu lái。
平昔苦南北， píng xī kǔ nán běi，
动成云雨乖。 dòng chéng yún yǔ guāi。
逮今两携手， dǎi jīn liǎng xié shǒu，
对若床下鞋。 duì ruò chuáng xià xié。
夜归碣石馆， yè guī jié shí guǎn，
朝上黄金台。 cháo;zhāo shàng huáng jīn tái。
我有苦寒调， wǒ yǒu kǔ hán diào，
君抱阳春才。 jūn bào yáng chūn cái。
年颜各少壮， nián yán gè;gě shào zhuàng，
发绿齿尚齐。 fā;fà lǜ chǐ shàng qí。
我虽不能饮， wǒ suī bù néng yǐn，
君时醉如泥。 jūn shí zuì rú ní。
政静筹画简， zhèng jìng chóu huà jiǎn，
退食多相携。 tuì shí;sì duō xiāng xié。
扫掠走马路， sào;sǎo lüè zǒu mǎ lù，
整顿射雉翳。 zhěng dùn shè zhì yì。
春风二三月， chūn fēng èr sān yuè，
柳密莺正啼。 liǔ mì yīng zhèng;zhēng tí。
清河在门外， qīng hé zài mén wài，
上与浮云齐。 shàng yǔ fú yún qí。
欹冠调玉琴， yī guān diào yù qín，
弹作松风哀。 tán;dàn zuò sōng fēng āi;yǐ。
又弹明君怨， yòu tán;dàn míng jūn yuàn，
一去怨不回。 yī qù yuàn bù huí。
感激坐者泣， gǎn jī zuò zhě qì，
起视雁行低。 qǐ shì yàn xíng;háng;xìng dī。
翻忧龙山雪， fān yōu;yǒu lóng shān xuě，
却杂胡沙飞。 què zá hú shā fēi。
仲容铜琵琶， zhòng róng tóng pí pá，
项直声凄凄。 hòng;xiàng zhí shēng qī qī。
上贴金捍拨， shàng tiē jīn hàn bō，
画为承露鸡。 huà wèi;wéi chéng lù;lòu jī。
君时卧掁触， jūn shí wò chéng chù，
劝客白玉杯。 quàn kè bái yù bēi。
苦云年光疾， kǔ yún nián guāng jí，
不饮将安归。 bù yǐn jiāng;jiàng ān guī。
我赏此言是， wǒ shǎng cǐ yán shì，
因循未能谐。 yīn xún wèi néng xié。
君言中圣人， jūn yán zhōng shèng rén，
坐卧莫我违。 zuò wò mò wǒ wēi。
榆荚乱不整， yú jiá luàn bù zhěng，
杨花飞相随。 yáng huā fēi xiàng;xiāng suí。
上有白日照， shàng yǒu bái rì zhào，
下有东风吹。 xià yǒu dōng fēng chuī。
青楼有美人， qīng lóu yǒu měi rén，
颜色如玫瑰。 yán sè rú méi guī。
歌声入青云， gē shēng rù qīng yún，
所痛无良媒。 suǒ tòng wú liáng méi。
少年苦不久， shào nián kǔ bù jiǔ，
顾慕良难哉。 gù mù liáng nán zāi。
徒令真珠肶， tú lìng zhēn zhū bǐ，
裛入珊瑚腮。 yì rù shān hú sāi。
君今且少安， jūn jīn qiě shǎo;shào ān，
听我苦吟诗。 tīng wǒ kǔ yín shī。
古诗何人作， gǔ shī hé rén zuò，
老大徒伤悲。 lǎo dà tú shāng bēi。
The gentleman’s family is at North River
My habitude is at West Mountain
So many years I have owned nothing, although
Secretly of Master Li’s celestial roots
Well versed in books and war
Strife revealed the battle tents
The gentleman was dispatched to Southern Wei
While I entered my fairyland
On those bitter days in the north and south
How often the clouds melted and the rainy mist dispersed
Today we clasp hands close
Like a pair of boots by the bed
At night we repair to the Stone Palace
As the Court is entertained on the golden terrace
While I dwell on tales of hardship
The gentleman has his own unique talents
Your youthful appearance belies the years
Your hair is luscious and you have all your teeth
Although I cannot drink
The gentleman imbibes like a muddy ditch!
Paint a simple picture of military order and all that
Yet how come there is always enough to eat?
Free the land of pillage as you ride the horses
And poke your arrows from camouflaged perches
For two or three months of spring breezes
The warbler hides in the willows, voice shrill and keen
And over the river’s clear waters
Flying clouds gather
She tunes the jade zither
Playing the sad tunes of Sang
Strumming the complaints of Sir Ming
But neither of us bother to complain
She draws tears from those seated
We see the wild geese fly, together and low
Over the dangerous Dragon Mountain snow
Over Hu Lake’s sands we fly
The stringed ruan, the bronze pipa
Wavering, or direct, how sad is this music
Holding the golden plectrum close
One sees the pictures of roosters on the pipa
When the gentleman rests, with great feeling
He urges I drink from the white jade cup
Sick and bitter with age
Will I be welcomed back if I refuse?
Although I delight much in your sweet words
My dithering self is unable to drink with you
The gentleman’s words are god-awful, drunken too
I must not violate the inner chamber
The Yu tree fruit lies helter skelter
The poplar’s flowers drop together
Up above, the daylight blazes
Below, the East wind whistles
We beautiful men in the Purple Towers
Our faces flushed like roses
Singing has such high aspirations
Yet there is no shortcut through the pain
The sorrows of youth do not last long
So admirable it is, so hard to look back
No matter our pearly tears, falling
On coral red cheeks
Today the gentleman is calm
Listening to me recite sad poems
How did the Ancients compose their songs?
Old age is such a terrible thing!
A Classic Variation Style Of 72 Verses Piven To 4 Fellow Officials偶成转韵七十二句赠四同舍
沛国东风吹大泽， pèi guó dōng fēng chuī dà zé，
蒲青柳碧春一色。 pú qīng liǔ bì chūn yī sè。
我来不见隆准人， wǒ lái bù jiàn lóng;lōng zhǔn rén，
沥酒空馀庙中客。 lì jiǔ kōng yú miào zhōng kè。
征东同舍鸳与鸾， zhēng dōng tóng;tòng shè;shě yuān yǔ luán，
酒酣劝我悬征鞍。 jiǔ hān quàn wǒ xuán zhēng ān。
蓝山宝肆不可入， lán shān bǎo sì bù kě rù，
玉中仍是青琅玕。 yù zhōng réng shì qīng láng gān.
武威将军使中侠， wǔ wēi jiāng jūn shǐ zhōng xiá，
少年箭道惊杨叶。 shào nián jiàn dào jīng yáng yè。
战功高后数文章， zhàn gōng gāo hòu shǔ;shù;shuò wén zhāng，
怜我秋斋梦蝴蝶。 lián wǒ qiū zhāi mèng hú dié。
诘旦九门传奏章， jié dàn jiǔ mén zhuàn;chuán zòu zhāng，
高车大马来煌煌。 gāo chē dà mǎ lái huáng huáng。
路逢邹枚不暇揖， lù féng zōu méi bù xiá yī，
腊月大雪过大梁。 là yuè dà xuě guò dà liáng。
忆昔公为会昌宰， yì xī gōng wèi;wéi huì;kuài chāng zǎi，
我时入谒虚怀待。 wǒ shí rù yè xū huái dāi。
众中赏我赋高唐， zhòng zhōng shǎng wǒ fù gāo táng，
回看屈宋由年辈。 huí kàn;kān qū sòng yóu nián bèi。
公事武皇为铁冠， gōng shì wǔ huáng wèi;wéi tiě guān，
历厅请我相所难。 lì tīng qǐng wǒ xiàng;xiāng suǒ nán。
我时憔悴在书阁， wǒ shí qiáo cuì zài shū dū;gé，
卧枕芸香春夜阑。 wò zhěn yún xiāng chūn yè lán。
明年赴辟下昭桂， míng nián fù pì;bì xià zhāo guì，
东郊恸哭辞兄弟。 dōng jiāo tòng kū cí xiōng dì。
韩公堆上跋马时， hán gōng duī shàng bá mǎ shí，
回望秦川树如荠。 huí wàng qín chuān shù rú qí。
依稀南指阳台云， yī xī nán zhǐ yáng tái yún，
鲤鱼食钩猿失群。 lǐ yú shí;sì gōu yuán shī qún。
湘妃庙下已春尽， xiāng fēi miào xià yǐ chūn jìn;jǐn，
虞帝城前初日曛。 yú dì chéng qián chū rì xūn。
谢游桥上澄江馆， xiè yóu qiáo shàng chéng;dèng jiāng guǎn，
下望山城如一弹。 xià wàng shān chéng rú yī tán;dàn。
鹧鸪声苦晓惊眠， zhè gū shēng kǔ xiǎo jīng mián，
朱槿花娇晚相伴。 zhū jǐn huā jiāo wǎn xiāng bàn。
顷之失职辞南风， qǐng zhī shī zhí cí nán fēng，
破帆坏桨荆江中。 pò fān huài jiǎng jīng jiāng zhōng。
斩蛟断璧不无意， zhǎn jiāo duàn bì bù wú yì，
平生自许非匆匆。 píng shēng zì xǔ fēi cōng cōng。
归来寂寞灵台下， guī lái jì mò líng tái xià，
著破蓝衫出无马。 zhù;zhuó;zhāo pò lán shān chū wú mǎ。
天官补吏府中趋， tiān guān bǔ lì fǔ zhōng qū，
玉骨瘦来无一把。 yù gú shòu lái wú yī bǎ。
手封狴牢屯制囚， shǒu fēng bì láo tún;zhūn zhì qiú，
直厅印锁黄昏愁。 zhí tīng yìn suǒ huáng hūn chóu。
平明赤帖使修表， píng míng chì tiě;tiē shǐ xiū biǎo，
上贺嫖姚收贼州。 shàng hè piáo yáo shōu zéi zhōu。
旧山万仞青霞外， jiù shān wàn rèn qīng xiá wài，
望见扶桑出东海。 wàng jiàn fú sāng chū dōng hǎi。
爱君忧国去未能， ài jūn yōu;yǒu guó qù wèi néng，
白道青松了然在。 bái dào qīng sōng liǎo rán zài。
此时闻有燕昭台， cǐ shí wén yǒu yàn zhāo tái，
挺身东望心眼开。 tǐng shēn dōng wàng xīn yǎn kāi。
且吟王粲从军乐， qiě yín wáng càn cóng jūn lè;yuè，
不赋渊明归去来。 bù fù yuān míng guī qù lái。
彭门十万皆雄勇， péng;bāng mén shí wàn jiē xióng yǒng，
首戴公恩若山重。 shǒu dài gōng ēn ruò shān zhòng;chóng。
廷评日下握灵蛇， tíng píng rì xià wò líng shé，
书记眠时吞彩凤。 shū jì mián shí tūn cǎi fèng。
之子夫君郑与裴， zhī zǐ fū jūn zhèng yǔ péi，
何甥谢舅当世才。 hé shēng xiè jiù dāng shì cái。
青袍白简风流极， qīng páo bái jiǎn fēng liú jí，
碧沼红莲倾倒开。 bì zhǎo hóng lián qīng dào kāi。
我生粗疏不足数， wǒ shēng cū shū bù zú shǔ;shù;shuò，
梁父哀吟鸲鹆舞。 liáng fù āi;yǐ yín qú yù wǔ。
横行阔视倚公怜， héng xíng kuò shì yǐ gōng lián，
狂来笔力如牛弩。 kuáng lái bǐ lì rú niú nǔ。
借酒祝公千万年， jiè jiǔ zhù gōng qiān wàn nián，
吾徒礼分常周旋。 wú tú lǐ fēn cháng zhōu xuán。
收旗卧鼓相天子， shōu qí wò gǔ xiàng;xiāng tiān zǐ，
相门出相光青史。 xiàng;xiāng mén chū xiàng;xiāng guāng qīng shǐ
The State of Pei’s east wind blows over the great pond
A touch of spring’s colors lie in the green willows
On my arrival I do not see the long-nosed lord
Alone in the temple, I drink ceremonial wine
My talented and marvelous mates, like kites and phoenixes
With sweet music, upbraid me for my wandering saddle
How can I enter Lan Mountain with its treasures
When pearly jade belongs with jade?
The gentleman of Wuwei is a master of the bow
From a tender age he would strike poplar leaves true and straight
He succeeded in battle, composed numerous writings
While I daydreamed of butterflies in autumn’s recess and shade
In the bright morning, while the Qin tale of 9 Gates lies on my desk
You send lofty steeds to pick up your guest!
Do not greet Mei Cheng if you meet him on the road
The First Night of Xiyue has already passed at Kaifeng
I remember those days we were posted in Huichang
How open minded and modest you were
Out of everyone you chose to grant me your favor
And hearkened back to Ancient Chu to assist my labors
When the Emperor made you Imperial Censor
You welcomed me into your hall, lightening my burdens
I would be your hidden library, thin and polite
Within my chamber was an inscribed pillow for late spring nights
Roused in the morning by the pigeon’s bitter cries of home
By the evening the hibiscus by the bridge kept me company
But quickly I lost my post and bid goodbye to Southern climes
Cruel oars, wind and sails in the Chiang river would lie
The slayed water dragon and broken coin stories have meaning
To set my own pace has been a lifelong feeling
Under the orders of Imperial Censor I hastened to headquarters
Thin like jade bones I arrived, without a helping hand
I was now lonely as a Lingtai Guest
Horseless, blue gown in tatters, a mess
With orders to collect prisoners for the prison walls
Evening brought no peace, with me and the seal locked behind my chamber’s doors.
On a clear morning, I prepared a few words on a card
Well wishes to you and your wenches and rebel fiefdoms!
Ten thousand fathoms away, over the rosy clouds of the blue topped mountain
I saw the sun rise from the old mulberry tree, over the Eastern sea.
The married patriot cannot leave, rooted
Like a pine tree, it marks out the moon.
I hear now that you are now stationed at Swallow’s Nest
Back straight, eyes open, heart facing the east
Sing for now of how Wang Can drew joy from his troops
Or how Tao Ming was not granted leave to come home!
You embrace 100,000 heroes at Peng Gate
You face mountains of duplicity, and still keep a positive face
At present, Master Tingping writes with the glibness of a snake
His letters inspired by nightly dreams of shimmering dragons
Esteemed gentlemen Zhang and Pei, truly
Are talented, harmonious, and bighearted – like nephew and uncle.
Purple robes, writing tools, all the height of good taste
Copius, the red lotus in the green pond blossoms
Don’t judge my careless life, Elder Liang
Sing grievingly of the myrna bird’s dance
May the crazy things I see and do prevail upon your loving stance
My mad calligraphy is like darts from one’s crossbow
A toast of ten million years to the present company
As I walk, I make the rounds to each as is proper!
For the Son Of Heaven, furl the banners and muffle the drums
May the new Prime Minister pass the gates into the realm of Glory!
Black Hill Terrace 青陵台
青陵台畔日光斜， qīng líng tái pàn rì guāng xié，
万古贞魂倚暮霞。 wàn gǔ zhēn hún yǐ mù xiá。
莫讶韩凭为蛱蝶， mò yà hán píng wèi;wéi jiá dié，
等闲飞上别枝花。 děng xián fēi shàng biè;bié zhī huā。
The sunlight bounces off Black Hill Terrace
These souls will forever embrace the setting clouds
It was no surprise that King Hanping loved his dark butterflies[1]
Wait a bit, off to other flowers they fly!
A Few Words On The Han Memorial Temple 题汉祖庙
乘运应须宅八荒， chéng;shèng yùn yīng;yìng xū zhái bā huāng，
男儿安在恋池隍。 nán ér ān zài liàn chí huáng。
君王自起新丰后， jūn wáng zì qǐ xīn fēng hòu，
项羽何曾在故乡。 hòng;xiàng yǔ hé céng zài gù xiāng。
Given the chance to build one’s home anywhere
How can a man who loves a dry moat have peace?
After the Emperor built Xinfeng
Xiangyu considered returning home, how come? [2]
A Playful Verse On 30 Hard Days On Horseback Heading Eastwards, Through Wind And Dust东下三旬苦于风土马上戏作
路绕函关东复东， lù rào hán guān dōng fù dōng，
身骑征马逐惊蓬。 shēn qí zhēng mǎ zhú jīng péng。
天池辽阔谁相待， tiān chí liáo kuò shuí xiàng;xiāng dāi，
日日虚乘九万风。 rì rì xū chéng;shèng jiǔ wàn fēng。
Ever eastwards, the road twists and envelops Hanguan Pass
On a battle steed, my body, like a great force, pushes past the grass
By this vast, great sea, who will welcome me to stay?
Just tens of thousands of gusts of wind, every day!
Two Poems on Snow 对雪二首
其一
寒气先侵玉女扉， hán qì xiān qīn yù nǚ fēi，
清光旋透省郎闱。 qīng guāng xuán tòu shěng;xǐng láng wéi。
梅花大庾岭头发， méi huā dà yǔ lǐng tóu fā，
柳絮章台街里飞。 liǔ xù zhāng tái jiē lǐ fēi。
欲舞定随曹植马， yù wǔ dìng suí cáo zhí mǎ，
有情应湿谢庄衣。 yǒu qíng yīng;yìng shī xiè zhuāng yì;yī。
龙山万里无多远， lóng shān wàn lǐ wú duō yuǎn，
留待行人二月归。 liú dāi xíng rén èr yuè guī。
其二
旋扑珠帘过粉墙， xuán pū zhū lián guò fěn qiáng，
轻于柳絮重于霜。 qīng yú liǔ xù zhòng yú shuāng。
已随江令夸琼树， yǐ suí jiāng lìng kuā qióng shù，
又入卢家妒玉堂。 yòu rù lú jiā dù yù táng。
侵夜可能争桂魄， qīn yè kě néng zhēng guì pò，
忍寒应欲试梅妆。 rěn hán yīng;yìng yù shì méi zhuāng。
关河冻合东西路， guān hé dòng hé;gé dōng xi;dōng xī lù，
肠断斑骓送陆郎。 cháng duàn bān zhuī sòng lù láng。
1st Poem
Smiling through bead curtains, like powder on the walls
You are lighter than the willow’s catkins
Already peer to Official Jiang’s celebrated Jade Tree Maiden[3]
Entering the Lu Home to the jealous jeweled den
Into the night, perhaps you tussle with the Cassia Goddess
Who endures the cold, eager to test her peach blossom skin
An iced-up river joins the East-West highway
The piebald horse, heartbroken, bears the officials, one by one, with sigh upon sigh.
2nd Poem
The icy wind first invades the Ice Queen’s door
Rays of pure sun sweep over the gentleman’s floor
Plum blossoms carpet Yu Mountain’s ridges
Willow catkins flutter through Zhongtai Alley
The snowflakes rush to dance with Cao Zhi’s steed
Eager to dampen Xie Zhuang’s robes indeed
Ten thousand miles to Dragon Mountain isn’t hard to track
By the second month, can you bring me back?
Again to Official Pei Ming’s House 复至裴明府所居
伊人卜筑自幽深， yī rén bo;bǔ zhú;zhù zì yōu shēn，
桂巷杉篱不可寻。 guì xiàng shān lí bù kě xún。
柱上雕虫对书字， zhù shàng diāo chóng duì shū zì，
槽中瘦马仰听琴。 cáo zhōng shòu mǎ yǎng tīng qín。
求之流辈岂易得， qiú zhī liú bèi qǐ yì dé;děi;de，
行矣关山方独吟。 xíng;háng;xìng yǐ guān shān fāng dú yín。
赊取松醪一斗酒， shē qǔ sōng láo yī dǒu jiǔ，
与君相伴洒烦襟。 yǔ jūn xiāng bàn sǎ fán jīn。
The gentleman has built for himself a serene, secluded abode
Hidden behind hedges and cassia groves
Where books are kept, insect script is carved on pillars
At fodder troughs, hungry horses lift their heads, as if to hear the zither play
Can my search for a kindred spirit be that easy!
I travelled the mountain passes as if for that special sound
I buy a head of pine mead,
And with my mate wash away my troubles!
Epistle to Pei Heng 寄裴衡
别地萧条极， bié de xiāo tiáo jí，
如何更独来。 rú hé gèng;gēng dú lái。
秋应为黄叶， qiū yīng;yìng wèi;wéi huáng yè，
雨不厌青苔。 yǔ bù yàn qīng tāi。
沈约只能瘦， shěn;chén yuē;yāo zhǐ néng shòu，
潘仁岂是才。 pān rén qǐ shì cái。
杂情堪底寄， zá qíng kān dǐ jì，
惟有冷于灰。 wéi yǒu lěng yú huī。
I leave a place of blasted twigs,
How come I’m arrived alone?
Autumn should bring yellow leaves
The green moss does not object to the rain
Shen Yue had no choice but to starve
What had Pan Yue’s kindness to do with talent? [4]
The tumult of leaving falls on meager epistles
Themselves desolate and cold as ash
Weeping for Registrar Liu – Two Poems 哭刘司户二首
其一
离居星岁易， lí;róu jū xīng suì yì，
失望死生分。 shī wàng sǐ shēng fen。
酒瓮凝馀桂， jiǔ wèng níng yú guì，
书签冷旧芸。 shū qiān lěng jiù yún。
江风吹雁急， jiāng fēng chuī yàn jí，
山木带蝉曛。 shān mù dài chán xūn。
一叫千回首， yī jiào qiān huí shǒu，
天高不为闻。 tiān gāo bù wèi;wéi wén。
其二
有美扶皇运， yǒu měi fú huáng yùn，
无谁荐直言。 wú shuí jiàn zhí yán。
已为秦逐客， yǐ wèi;wéi qín zhú kè，
复作楚冤魂。 fù zuò chǔ yuān hún。
湓浦应分派， pén pǔ yīng fēn pài，
荆江有会源。 jīng jiāng yǒu huì;kuài yuán。
并将添恨泪， bìng jiāng;jiàng tiān hèn lèi，
一洒问乾坤。 yī sǎ wèn qián kūn。
1st Poem
In the years since I left your home how the stars have changed
Life and death have kept us apart, hope is lost
Congealing, cinnamon covers the ale vat with its scent
Old, the rue leaves lie cold on the scholar’s slats[5]
Over the river, the wind whistles, alarming the wild geese
On the woody mountainside, the sun sets, cicadas hide
Even if I were I to turn my head back a thousand times and cry
No one would ever hear me in heaven on high!
2nd Poem
A talented person rushes to serve the King
No-one supports his honest words
Rejected , like the guest of Qin
He rises again, a wronged ghost
Pen Pu River should be diverted
The waters of Xinjiang have their source
Were one to add their bitter tears
Such a flood would rouse the cosmos!
Lament for Liu Ben 哭刘蕡
上帝深宫闭九阍， shàng dì shēn gōng bì jiǔ hūn，
巫咸不下问衔冤。 wū xián;xiān bù xià wèn xián yuān。
广陵别后春涛隔， guǎng líng biè;bié hòu chūn tāo gé，
湓浦书来秋雨翻。 pén pǔ shū lái qiū yǔ fān。
只有安仁能作诔， zhǐ yǒu ān rén néng zuò lěi，
何曾宋玉解招魂。 hé céng sòng yù jiě zhāo hún。
平生风义兼师友， píng shēng fēng yì jiān shī yǒu，
不敢同君哭寝门。 bù gǎn tóng;tòng jūn kū qǐn mén。
God in his cloistered palace has closed the 9th gate
For the wronged spirit, Shaman Xian does not bother to ask[6]
Spring and waves have separated us since last I bid you farewell at Huangliang
The August rain was a deluge when Du’s scroll arrived at the Pen’s banks
Only Pan Yu is worthy of singing your elegy[7]
How can Song Yu bring back the departed?
In normal times you were to me both friend and teacher
Dare I ask you to let me shed tears in my home? [8]
Lament for Registrar Liu Ben 哭刘司户蕡
路有论冤谪， lù yǒu lùn yuān zhé，
言皆在中兴。 yán jiē zài zhōng xīng。
空闻迁贾谊， kōng wén qiān gǔ yì，
不待相孙弘。 bù dài xiàng;xiāng sūn hóng。
江阔惟回首， jiāng kuò wéi huí shǒu，
天高但抚膺。 tiān gāo dàn fǔ yīng。
去年相送地， qù nián xiàng;xiāng sòng dì;de，
春雪满黄陵。 chūn xuě mǎn huáng ling
When the Daoist’s ruminate on the soul of a wronged man
All their words are about national rejuvenation
Although he was promoted, my friend Master Jia reports were in vain
For Prime Minister Sun Hang wouldn’t read them
No matter who looks back at one from across the vast river
The high heavens will only touch their chests and sigh!
Like when I looked back towards your tomb last year
The Spring snows covered Huangling.
Given to Brother Cong 赠从兄阆之
怅望人间万事违， chàng wàng rén jiān wàn shì wēi，
私书幽梦约忘机。 sī shū yōu mèng yuē;yāo wàng jī。
荻花村里鱼标在， dí huā cūn lǐ yú biāo zài，
石藓庭中鹿迹微。 shí xiǎn tíng zhōng lù jī wēi。
幽径定携僧共入， yōu jìng dìng xié sēng gòng rù，
寒塘好与月相依。 hán táng hǎo;hào yǔ yuè xiàng yī。
城中猘犬憎兰佩， chéng zhōng zhì quǎn zēng lán pèi，
莫损幽芳久不归。 mò sǔn yōu fāng jiǔ bù guī。
In the world of men, how disappointing so much is disobeyed
Among private books and solitary dreams can one forget
In the reed grass village the fishing barrier is raised
On many courtyard stones the tracks of deer are barely seen
On hidden paths monks resolve to gather
The chilly riverbank is in harmony with the moon
In cities rabid dogs hate symbols of respect and grace
Before long, never to return, this sweet scent of solitude is gone.
Missing you from afar 念远
日月淹秦甸， rì yuè yān qín diàn，
江湖动越吟。 jiāng hú dòng yuè yín。
苍桐应露下， cāng tóng yīng;yìng lù;lòu xià，
白阁自云深。 bái dū;gé zì yún shēn。
皎皎非鸾扇， jiǎo jiǎo fēi luán shàn;shān，
翘翘失凤簪。 qiáo qiáo shī fèng zān。
床空鄂君被， chuáng kōng è jūn bèi，
杵冷女媭砧。 chǔ lěng nǚ xū zhēn。
北思惊沙雁， běi sī jīng shā yàn，
南情属海禽。 nán qíng shǔ hǎi qín。
关山已摇落， guān shān yǐ yáo luò，
天地共登临。 tiān dì gòng dēng lín。
Sunshine and moonlight flood the plains of Qin
The cries of the people of Yu shake lakes and rivers
Cangwu should come into view
But Baige’s peaks shroud it in clouds
The Luan’s feathers are not bright and cheerful
All this back and forth has made you lose your hairpin[9]
The fair prince of Hu’s bed is empty
The elder sister is left with cold pestles and anvils
A northern melancholy startles the desert’s wild goose[10]
A southern passion is entrusted to the sea gull
Autumn leaves already cover Guan Mountain
Let us climb it and see each other, even if for a short while.
Given to Official Liu 赠刘司户蕡
江风扬浪动云根， jiāng fēng yáng làng dòng yún gēn，
重碇危樯白日昏。 zhòng;chóng dìng wēi qiáng bái rì hūn。
已断燕鸿初起势， yǐ duàn yàn hóng chū qǐ shì，
更惊骚客后归魂。 gèng;gēng jīng sāo kè hòu guī hún。
汉廷急诏谁先入， hàn tíng jí zhào shuí xiān rù，
楚路高歌自欲翻。 chǔ lù gāo gē zì yù fān。
万里相逢欢复泣， wàn lǐ xiāng féng huān fù qì，
凤巢西隔九重门。 fèng cháo xī gé jiǔ zhòng;chóng mén。
Buffeted by waves and gusts of wind where the clouds arise
Heavy anchors and perilous masts lie tethered from dusk to dawn
Swallows and wild geese are banned from flying aloft
The Tragic Poet’s soul is bothered anew
Which original mind has the Imperial Court demoted?
Balladeers on the high roads of Chu do their best to explain
Ten thousand miles away, in places of joy and tears
Nested in western courtyards, the Phoenix hides its fears!`
On the Day of Mortals – An Improvisation 人日即事
文王喻复今朝是， wén wáng yù fù jīn zhāo shì，
子晋吹笙此日同。 zǐ jìn chuī shēng cǐ rì tóng;tòng。
舜格有苗旬太远， shùn gé yǒu miáo xún tài yuǎn，
周称流火月难穷。 zhōu chèn liú huǒ yuè nán qióng。
镂金作胜传荆俗， lòu jīn zuò shèng;shēng zhuàn;chuán jīng sú，
翦彩为人起晋风。 jiǎn cǎi wéi rén qǐ jìn fēng。
独想道衡诗思苦， dú xiǎng dào héng shī sī kǔ，
离家恨得二年中。 lí;róu jiā hèn dé;děi;de èr nián zhōng。
The annals of Wang seem auspicious this courtly day
According to Jin’s legends, the Crown Prince blew his Sheng this day
Too late, King Shun finally took the land of Miao
How hard to wait until the Fire Star has appeared at the Sixth Moon![11]
Engraved gold foil passes on this pure tradition
The wind has blown on fans of radiant scissor cuttings since the days of Jin
Alone, I ponder Dao Heng’s melancholy poems
How one hates the second year passed away from home!
The Palace of Chu 楚宫
复壁交青琐， fù bì jiāo qīng suǒ，
重帘挂紫绳。 zhòng;chóng lián guà zǐ shéng。
如何一柱观， rú hé yī zhù guān，
不碍九枝灯。 bù ài jiǔ zhī dēng。
扇薄常规月， shàn;shān bò;báo;bó cháng guī yuè，
钗斜只镂冰。 chāi xié zhī;zhǐ lòu bīng。
歌成犹未唱， gē chéng yóu wèi chàng，
秦火入夷陵。 qín huǒ rù yí líng。
Turquoise cracks run across the double walls
On thick vermillion drapes, purple ropes hang free
How is it that from the lofty watchtower
One can, without obstruction, the 9 Lanterns see?
Women’s fans are much like the moon, so round
Hairpins tilted seem like earrings of ice
Behold the songs that failed to be sung
When Qin’s soldiers set ablaze the Imperial burial mounds.
This Very Day 即日
桂林闻旧说， guì lín wén jiù shuō;shuì，
曾不异炎方。 céng;zēng bù yì yán fāng。
山响匡床语， shān xiǎng kuāng chuáng yǔ;yù，
花飘度腊香。 huā piāo dù là xiāng。
几时逢雁足， jǐ shí féng yàn zú，
著处断猿肠。 zhù;zhuó;zhāo chù;chǔ duàn yuán cháng。
独抚青青桂， dú fǔ qīng qīng guì，
临城忆雪霜。 lín chéng yì xuě shuāng。
Of Guilin I had long heard
How, compared to the tropics, it was just as hot
The mountains echo the sounds of the squeaky bed
From the 12th moon to Spring, flowers flutter from spot to spot
When will the pigeons bring their tidings?
Everywhere, apes pine with heartbroken cries
Green, so green are the Cassia trees, momentarily
Reminding me of branches of snow and frost where my hometown lies.
The Poet Song Yu 宋玉
何事荆台百万家， hé shì jīng tái bǎi wàn jiā，
惟教宋玉擅才华。 wéi jiào;jiāo sòng yù shàn cái huá。
楚辞已不饶唐勒， chǔ cí yǐ bù ráo táng lè，
风赋何曾让景差。 fēng fù hé céng ràng jǐng chā;chà;chāi。
落日渚宫供观阁， luò rì zhǔ gōng gòng;gōng guān dū;gé，
开年云梦送烟花。 kāi nián yún mèng sòng yān huā。
可怜庾信寻荒径， kě lián yǔ xìn xún huāng jìng，
犹得三朝托后车。 yóu dé;děi;de sān cháo;zhāo tuō hòu chē。
Among the one million homes of Jing Tai, how is it
That Song Yu alone had such remarkable talent?
In the works of Chu, his verse exceeded even that of Tang Qin
Beyond his ‘Crazy Verse’ Jing Cha could not ascend
At sunset, the Zhu Palace pavilions welcome one’s gaze
At New Year, over Yunmeng, peach blossoms float like mist
What a pity Yu Xin followed an empty path
He was treated like a vassal by three courts, so it seems!
Spearing The Fish Song 洞庭鱼
洞庭鱼可拾， dòng tíng yú kě shí，
不假更垂罾。 bù jiǎ gèng;gēng chuí zēng。
闹若雨前蚁， nào ruò yǔ qián yǐ，
多于秋后蝇。 duō yú qiū hòu yíng。
岂思鳞作簟， qǐ sī lín zuò diàn，
仍计腹为灯。 réng jì fù wèi;wéi dēng。
浩荡天池路， hào dàng tiān chí lù，
翱翔欲化鹏。 áo xiáng yù huà;huā péng
A ‘Silao’ bamboo crossbow over bleached stones
The Manzu fisherman,forehead tattood with flowers, is fierce as 3 tigers
The sun behind him, he scans the lake for bright fish scales
Startled, they swim to the cowrie towers
Tempted by fragrant cakes on slender bamboo sticks
Green headed mallards, even swifter, swoop down to the pond
Covered with ice, sent to a Capitol that speaks a different language
How is it that these fish end up dead on golden platters?
Discouraging Thoughts 凉思
客去波平槛， kè qù bō píng jiàn，
蝉休露满枝。 chán xiū lù;lòu mǎn zhī。
永怀当此节， yǒng huái dāng;dàng cǐ jié，
倚立自移时。 yǐ lì zì yí shí。
北斗兼春远， běi dòu;dǒu jiān chūn yuǎn，
南陵寓使迟。 nán líng yù shǐ chí。
天涯占梦数， tiān yá zhān mèng shǔ;shù;shuò，
疑误有新知。 yí wù yǒu xīn zhī。
Walking, I see the waves rise near the balustrades
Crickets rest in the open, filling the branches
My heart is heavy this festive night
In my anguish, I move closer to the rails
Home’s Spring Festival must be twice as far as the Big Dipper
At Nanling, my friend returns late, so I wait
So many dreams at the world’s end
I suspect I’ve seen it all, such is my fate.
Moved By Passions Enroute, I Offer This Tribute To The Emperor’s Ambassador To Jiangling In Guilin 自桂林奉使江陵途中感怀寄献尚书
下客依莲幕， xià kè yī lián mù，
明公念竹林。 míng gōng niàn zhú lín。
纵然膺使命， zòng rán yīng shǐ mìng，
何以奉徽音。 hé yǐ fèng huī yīn。
投刺虽伤晚， tóu cì suī shāng wǎn，
酬恩岂在今。 chóu ēn qǐ zài jīn。
迎来新琐闼， yíng lái xīn suǒ tà，
从到碧瑶岑。 cóng;zòng;cōng dào bì yáo cén。
水势初知海， shuǐ shì chū zhī hǎi，
天文始识参。 tiān wén shǐ shí cān;shān;shēn。
固惭非贾谊， gù cán fēi gǔ yì，
惟恐后陈琳。 wéi kǒng hòu chén lín。
前席惊虚辱， qián xí jīng xū rǔ，
华樽许细斟。 huā;huá zūn xǔ xì zhēn。
尚怜秦痔苦， shàng lián qín zhì kǔ，
不遣楚醪沈。 bù qiǎn chǔ láo shěn;chén。
既载从戎笔， jì zài cóng róng bǐ，
仍披选胜襟。 réng pī xuǎn shèng;shēng jīn。
泷通伏波柱， lóng tōng fú bō zhù，
帘对有虞琴。 lián duì yǒu yú qín。
宅与严城接， zhái yǔ yán chéng jiē，
门藏别岫深。 mén zàng;cáng biè;bié xiù shēn。
阁凉松冉冉， dū;gé liáng sōng rǎn rǎn，
堂静桂森森。 táng jìng guì sēn sēn。
社内容周续， shè nèi róng zhōu xù，
乡中保展禽。 xiāng zhōng bǎo zhǎn qín。
白衣居士访， bái yī jū shì fǎng，
乌帽逸人寻。 wū mào yì rén xún。
佞佛将成传， nìng fú;fó jiāng;jiàng chéng zhuàn;chuán，
耽书或类淫。 dān shū huò lèi yín。
长怀五羖赎， cháng;zhǎng huái wǔ gǔ shú，
终著九州箴。 zhōng zhù;zhuó;zhāo jiǔ zhōu zhēn。
良讯封鸳绮， liáng xùn fēng yuān qǐ，
馀光借玳簪。 yú guāng jiè dài zān。
张衡愁浩浩， zhāng héng chóu hào hào，
沈约瘦愔愔。 shěn;chén yuē;yāo shòu yīn yīn。
芦白疑粘鬓， lú bái chī nián;zhān bìn，
枫丹欲照心。 fēng dān yù zhào xīn。
归期无雁报， guī qī wú yàn bào，
旅抱有猿侵。 lǚ bào yǒu yuán qīn。
短日安能驻， duǎn;duān rì ān néng zhù，
低云只有阴。 dī yún zhǐ yǒu yīn。
乱鸦冲晒网， luàn yā chōng shài wǎng，
寒女簇遥砧。 hán nǚ cù yáo zhēn。
东道违宁久， dōng dào wēi nìng;níng jiǔ，
西园望不禁。 xī yuán wàng bù jīn。
江生魂黯黯， jiāng shēng hún àn àn，
泉客泪涔涔。 quán kè lèi cén cén。
逸翰应藏法， yì hàn yīng;yìng zàng;cáng fǎ，
高辞肯浪吟。 gāo cí kěn làng yín。
数须传庾翼， shǔ;shù;shuò xū zhuàn;chuán yǔ yì，
莫独与卢谌。 mò dú yǔ lú chén。
假寐凭书簏， jià mèi píng shū lù，
哀吟叩剑镡。 āi;yǐ yín kòu jiàn tán。
未尝贪偃息， wèi cháng tān yǎn xī，
那复议登临。 nà;nèi fù yì dēng lín。
彼美回清镜， bǐ měi huí qīng jìng，
其谁受曲针。 qí shuí shòu qū zhēn。
人皆向燕路， rén jiē xiàng yàn lù，
无乃费黄金。 wú nǎi fèi huáng jīn。
The guest has yielded to the orders of the Lotus Tent
In bamboo groves, your thoughts turn to those of our shining Capitol
Although you accepted the Imperial command
How can we make these words mere compliments?
As I profer my credentials at this late evening hour
May your gracious spirit trust me for the entire day
Welcomed through this small wicker gate
From here you will reach the turquoise jasper peaks, I dare to say!
Flowing water knows that in the sea it starts
From the Shen constellation one begins to understand the stars
Scholar Jia Yin, though wronged, was resolute
Fearing only Official Chen Lin’s skill at narration
Before the Imperial audience, though startled
He was graced with zun goblets of wine
Appreciate the pain of the the Qin Emperor’s sickness
Yet he did not begrudge one drowning sorrows in mellow Chu wine
Although one enters the tents and writes accounts
We still take an interest in visiting famous sites
Such as the waves of the Shen thundering against the Cassia trees
Beneath curtains listening to the 5 stringed Yu qin
Mansions are close to the city
Doors closed , the mountains beyond are deep and still
Cool pavilions, poplars with drooping branches
Chambers serene before those Cassia arbors
Society supported hermit Zhou Xin
In the village Monk Zhan Qin was protected
Seek the white frocked scholar
Search for the crow hatted recluse
Follow the Buddhist rites to completion
At all costs study in the manner of bookworms!
Magnanimous men offer 5 ewes for such scholars
So finally we shall be Grand Scribes of the Kingdom!
I received a wonderful epistle with the mandarin duck prints
Such a bright glow illuminated the turtle hairpin
Zhang Wei’s “Sorrows” were vast and wide
Emaciated Shun Yue was at peace and at ease
Now the reeds are white with snow, as the hair attached to my brow
The maple is so red it inflames my heart
When I am back there will be no need for geese to report it
When away, apes invades and seize the heart
As days grow ever shorter, can one be so stationed and at peace?
How dim, how low the clouds
The crazed crows attack the dried fish nets
From a distance the sounds of indifferent women pounding their pestles
It seems a sin that I am away from the East Road so long
I look back again and again towards the Western Gardens
Official Jiang’s soul was so gloomy
The mermaids’ tears would gather so.
Fleeing, desperate scholars should conceal their calligraphy
Should lofty verses even be sung aloud?
How many times must one recall Calligrapher Yu Yi
Or not to be alone as Lu Chen?
I doze against the scroll cases
An anguished cry makes me reach for my sword handle
One does not try to sit back and rest
Proceed, unwavering, to the top of the mountain!
Beauty looks back at one from a clear mirror
For who is willing to receive a bent needle?
All men reach for the swallow’s road
One cannot, must not succumb to the lure of gold.
The Magic Mountain 丹丘
青女丁宁结夜霜， qīng nǚ dīng níng jié;jiē yè shuāng，
羲和辛苦送朝阳。 xī hé xīn kǔ sòng cháo yáng。
丹丘万里无消息， dān qiū wàn lǐ wú xiāo xī，
几对梧桐忆凤凰。 jǐ;jī duì wú tóng yì fèng huáng。
The Ice Queen calls, snowflakes ring the sky
With difficulty, Xi He’s beams of sunshine fly
The Magic Mountain is silent, distant ten thousand Li
So many times the Phoenix remembers her Wu Tong tree.
River Village Graffiti 江村题壁
沙岸竹森森， shā àn zhú sēn sēn，
维艄听越禽。 wéi shāo tīng yuè qín。
数家同老寿， shǔ;shù;shuò jiā tóng;tòng lǎo shòu，
一径自阴深。 yī jìng zì yīn shēn。
喜客尝留橘， xǐ kè cháng liú jú，
应官说采金。 yīng;yìng guān shuō;shuì cǎi jīn。
倾壶真得地， qīng hú zhēn dé;děi;de dì;de，
爱日静霜砧。 ài rì jìng shuāng zhēn。
The sandy riverbank is thick with bamboo forests
The boat rudder cranks, the Ya bird cries
Many homes pay homage to the gods of long life
A single path leads one deep into dim foliage
Guests are offered tangerines and are happy to stay
Gold for the picking, the officials should say
Here friends drink from pitchers, one can tell
A warm winter day, peaceful with the frost and sounds of a pestle
The Coming Autumn 访秋
酒薄吹还醒， jiǔ bò;báo;bó chuī hái;huán xǐng，
楼危望已穷。 lóu wēi wàng yǐ qióng。
江皋当落日， jiāng hāo;gāo dāng;dàng luò rì，
帆席见归风。 fān xí jiàn;xiàn guī fēng。
烟带龙潭白， yān dài lóng tán;dǎn bái，
霞分鸟道红。 xiá fēn niǎo dào hóng。
殷勤报秋意， yīn qín bào qiū yì，
只是有丹枫。 zhǐ shì yǒu dān fēng。
The wine was weak, the flute awakes me
From perilous heights, the view is faint
Over the river highlands a fading daylight holds
As a cold wind blows, sailboats return and I think of home
Over Dragon Pool a white fog brews
The eagle’s path seems to split the sunset in two
Gently treads this news of Autumn
All I see is a scarlet maple!
The Phoenix 凤
万里峰峦归路迷， wàn lǐ fēng luán guī lù mí，
未判容彩借山鸡。 wèi pàn róng cǎi jiè shān jī。
新春定有将雏乐， xīn chūn dìng yǒu jiāng;jiàng chú lè;yuè，
阿阁华池两处栖。 ā;ē dū;gé huā;huá chí liǎng chù;chǔ qī。
Homewards lost, just 10,000 Li of craggy peaks
When the local rooster borrows his flumes he does not judge
New Year delivers A baby Phoenix’ happy face
On lofty tower or splendid lakes, he will perch on either place
Lofty Poplar 高松
高松出众木， gāo sōng chū zhòng mù，
伴我向天涯。 bàn wǒ xiàng tiān yá。
客散初晴候， kè sǎn chū qíng hòu，
僧来不语时。 sēng lái bù yǔ;yù shí。
有风传雅韵， yǒu fēng zhuàn;chuán yǎ yùn，
无雪试幽姿。 wú xuě shì yōu zī。
上药终相待， shàng yào zhōng xiàng;xiāng dāi，
他年访伏龟。 tā nián fǎng fú guī
How many lofty poplars there are
Following me to World’s End?
After first light I take a walk
The monk arrives, it’s not the time to talk
The wind through the branches reveals
A sweet voice, shorn of snow, an elegant poise
What lofty medicine, at last a remedy!
In years to come, you shall attain a turtle’s nobility[12]
Night Thoughts 夜意
帘垂幕半卷， lián chuí mù bàn juǎn;juàn，
枕冷被仍香。 zhěn lěng bèi réng xiāng。
如何为相忆， rú hé wèi;wéi xiàng;xiāng yì，
魂梦过潇湘。 hún mèng guò xiāo xiāng。
The curtains drawn, the tent half rolled
Your perfume fades, the pillow is cold
How can I not think of you, my dear
I dreamed of your soul, of the Xiang River’s tears[13]
At the Banquet 席上作
淡云轻雨拂高唐， dàn yún qīng yǔ fú gāo táng，
玉殿秋来夜正长。 yù diàn qiū lái yè zhèng;zhēng cháng;zhǎng。
料得也应怜宋玉， liào dé;děi;de yě yīng;yìng lián sòng yù，
一生惟事楚襄王。 yī shēng wéi shì chǔ xiāng wáng。
Across Gao Tang the clouds are pale, the rain is light
Autumn arrives at the Jade Palace, long is the night
I suppose one must also love Song Yu
For he dedicated his life to King Xiang of Chu
On the City Walls 城上
有客虚投笔， yǒu kè xū tóu bǐ，
无憀独上城。 wú liáo dú shàng chéng。
沙禽失侣远， shā qín shī lǚ yuǎn，
江树著阴轻。 jiāng shù zhù;zhuó;zhāo yīn qīng。
边遽稽天讨， biān jù qǐ tiān tǎo，
军须竭地征。 jūn xū jié dì;de zhēng。
贾生游刃极， gǔ shēng yóu rèn jí，
作赋又论兵。 zuò fù yòu lùn bīng。
This guest has thoughtlesslessly tossed aside his pen
Bored, alone he stands on the city’s balustrades
The sad bird is lost, his mate far afield
The river trees shield one from the sun, providing spotty shade
Border checks slow down the troops the Emperor sent to quell
Supplies quickly empty where the troops now dwell
Master Jia’s skill at cutting of the rebels was excellent indeed
He could create Fus and discuss strategies the army would need [14]
Into Autumn 到秋
扇风淅沥簟流离， shàn;shān fēng xī lì diàn liú lí，
万里南风滞所思。 wàn lǐ nán fēng zhì suǒ sī。
守到清秋还寂寞， shǒu dào qīng qiū hái;huán jì mò，
叶丹苔碧闭门时。 yè dān tāi bì bì mén shí。
Fans flutter, pitter patter, bamboo mats, colored, glazed
Ten thousand Li of ‘southern clouds,’ I’m in a daze
Autumn arrives, clear, lonely at its core
Red leaves and green moss, that’s what I see when I close the door
Regular Times 端居
远书归梦两悠悠， yuǎn shū guī mèng liǎng yōu yōu，
只有空床敌素秋。 zhǐ yǒu kōng chuáng dí sù qiū。
阶下青苔与红树， jiē xià qīng tāi yǔ hóng shù，
雨中寥落月中愁。 yǔ zhōng liáo luò;lào;là yuè zhōng chóu。
Letters home, dreams of returning, dragging on and on
Just this empty bed resists the silvery autumn
Below the steps, the moss turns green, trees are scarlet
Amid scattered showers, under a troubled moon
Written on the Guilin Road 桂林路中作
地暖无秋色， dì;de nuǎn wú qiū sè，
江晴有暮晖。 jiāng qíng yǒu mù huī。
空馀蝉嘒嘒， kōng yú chán huì huì，
犹向客依依。 yóu xiàng kè yī yī。
村小犬相护， cūn xiǎo quǎn xiàng;xiāng hù，
沙平僧独归。 shā píng sēng dú guī。
欲成西北望， yù chéng xī běi wàng，
又见鹧鸪飞。 yòu jiàn;xiàn zhè gū fēi。
The place is warm, it doesn’t seem Autumn is here
This evening, the Jiang River is so clear
In the emptiness, some crickets cry out, shrill
As though they are loath to see this guest leave
In small villages it seems the dogs stand guard
On sandy roads, the monks return alone
Oh, this urge to be northwest facing
See the partridges flying, towards me racing. [15]
Drunk Beneath the Flowers 花下醉
寻芳不觉醉流霞， xún fāng bù jué zuì liú xiá，
倚树沉眠日已斜。 yǐ shù chén mián rì yǐ xié。
客散酒醒深夜后， kè sǎn jiǔ xǐng shēn yè hòu，
更持红烛赏残花。 gèng;gēng chí hóng zhú shǎng cán huā。
I seek your scent, and end up dazed, drunk from amber wine
Under the sun’s slanted rays I sleep, leaning on a tree of mine,
I’m wakened from my stupor, the guests are gone, the night is dark and deep
I hold a red candle, these faded flowers I savor seem to weep
2 Poems to The Hibiscus 朱槿花二首
其一
莲后红何患， lián hòu hóng hé huàn，
梅先白莫夸。 méi xiān bái mò kuā。
才飞建章火， cái fēi jiàn zhāng huǒ，
又落赤城霞。 yòu luò;lào;là chì chéng xiá。
不卷锦步障， bù juǎn;juàn jǐn bù zhàng，
未登油壁车。 wèi dēng yóu bì chē。
日西相对罢， rì xī xiāng duì bà;ba，
休浣向天涯。xiū huàn xiàng tiān yá。
其二
勇多侵路去， yǒng duō qīn lù qù，
恨有碍灯还。 hèn yǒu ài dēng hái;huán。
嗅自微微白， xiù zì wēi wēi bái，
看成沓沓殷。 kàn chéng tà tà yīn;yān。
坐疑忘物外， zuò yí wàng wù wài，
归去有帘间。 guī qù yǒu lián jiān;jiàn;xiàn。
君问伤春句， jūn wèn shāng chūn jù，
千辞不可删。 qiān cí bù kě shān。
1st Poem
Turning into a red lotus, what troubles will follow?
At first it was a rose so white, it needn’t pretend
To be flying from the Zhang Palace’s flames,
Or being a remnant of the Scarlet City’s glow
Do not roll up these steps of brocade
Do not bother to mount her carriage with lacquer brilliantly laid
How refreshing this opposing Westward sun
Against the lethargy of World’s End!
2nd Poem
You bravely intrude and expose yourself time after time
You hate how your growth is impeded when the night lamps shine
A faint smell, a slight paleness quite fine
Bearing a red profusion, of withering a sign
I sit and forget my doubts, external things fade
Looking back, you cover the door like a shade
You ask me to write a love ballade so fine
One thousand verses I couldn’t decline.
The Lamp 灯
皎洁终无倦， jiǎo jié zhōng wú quán;juàn，
煎熬亦自求。 jiān āo yì zì qiú。
花时随酒远， huā shí suí jiǔ yuǎn，
雨后背窗休。 yǔ hòu bèi;bēi chuāng xiū。
冷暗黄茅驿， lěng àn huáng máo yì，
暄明紫桂楼。 xuān míng zǐ guì lóu。
锦囊名画掩， jǐn náng míng huà yǎn，
玉局败棋收。 yù jú bài qí shōu。
何处无佳梦， hé chǔ wú jiā mèng，
谁人不隐忧。 shuí rén bù yǐn yōu。
影随帘押转， yǐng suí lián yā zhuǎi，
光信簟文流。 guāng xìn diàn wén liú。
客自胜潘岳， kè zì shèng;shēng pān yuè，
侬今定莫愁。 nóng jīn dìng mò chóu。
固应留半焰， gù yīng;yìng liú bàn yàn，
回照下帏羞。 huí zhào xià wéi xiū。
Brilliant and radiant, the light unflagging streams
Through my tormented path it seeks me out
While flowers and wine sparkle side by side
After the rain, behind window panes, you gently subside
Cool and dark is the Yellow Grass Station
Warm and radiant the Purple Cassia Tower
The great paintings of the brocaded coverlet are concealed
By the jade chessboard, my lass is revealed
Whence the lovely dreams
Who doesn’t secretly worry?
The shadows shift with the curtains
Brilliant patterns on the mat seem to flurry
For me to surpass Pan Yue, all I need
Is a Miss Placid, yes indeed
Please hold back half your flame, I’m certain
It will Illuminate the little space beneath the curtain
Old Master Qiu Gu’s Magnanimity 怀求古翁
何时粉署仙， hé shí fěn shǔ xiān，
傲兀逐戎旃。 ào wù zhú róng zhān。
关塞犹传箭， guān sè;sài;sāi yóu zhuàn;chuán jiàn，
江湖莫系船。 jiāng hú mò xì;jì chuán。
欲收棋子醉， yù shōu qí zǐ zuì，
竟把钓车眠。 jìng bǎ diào chē mián。
谢脁真堪忆， xiè tiǎo zhēn kān yì，
多才不忌前。 duō cái bù jì qián。
When you were the Immortal of Fen Shu
Your ambition and pride helped raise the soldier’s banner
From deflecting arrows, to mountain fortress exploits
Across rivers and lakes, like an untethered rose
You played chess and became drunk
You went fishing and would fall asleep
Thank you for remembering to praise me
Never jealous, you knew talent was not just yours to keep!
Presented to Officials Gao and Miao in Chengdu 寄成都高苗二从事
红莲幕下紫梨新， hóng lián mù xià zǐ lí xīn，
命断湘南病渴人。 mìng duàn xiāng nán bìng kě rén。
今日问君能寄否， jīn rì wèn jūn néng jì fǒu;pǐ，
二江风水接天津。 èr jiāng fēng shui jiē tiān jīn。
Your pears lie fresh beneath the red lotus tent
This diabetic remains in Hunan, orders thus prevent
For his Excellency can you make this epistle my present?
We two rivers, like wind and water, are the Milky Way’s good friends
An Epistle Sent After Seeing Official Linghu 酬令狐郎中见寄
望郎临古郡， wàng láng lín gǔ jùn，
佳句洒丹青。 jiā jù sǎ dān qīng。
应自丘迟宅， yīng;yìng zì qiū chí zhái，
仍过柳恽汀。 réng guò liǔ yùn tīng。
封来江渺渺， fēng lái jiāng miǎo miǎo，
信去雨冥冥。 xìn qù yǔ míng míng。
句曲闻仙诀， jù qū wén xiān jué，
临川得佛经。 lín chuān dé;děi;de fó jīng。
朝吟支客枕， cháo;zhāo yín zhī kè zhěn，
夜读漱僧瓶。 yè dú;dòu shù sēng píng。
不见衔芦雁， bù jiàn xián lú yàn，
空流腐草萤。 kōng liú fǔ cǎo yíng。
土宜悲坎井， tǔ yí bēi kǎn jǐng，
天怒识雷霆。 tiān nù shí léi tíng。
象卉分疆近， xiàng huì fēn jiāng;jiàng;qiǎng jìn，
蛟涎浸岸腥。 jiāo xián jìn àn xīng。
补羸贪紫桂， bǔ léi tān zǐ guì，
负气托青萍。 fù qì tuō qīng píng。
万里悬离抱， wàn lǐ xuán lí;róu bào，
危于讼閤铃。 wēi yú sòng hé;gé líng。
While your esteemed Excellency was stationed at Gu Prefecture
Your beautiful writing flowed like wine over red and blue paper
You should have stayed at Qiu Chi’s villa
And passed Liu Yun’s sandy islet too
Letters arrived over rivers vast and wide
Replies returned through rain murky and dark
Song Mountain knows the Immortal’s secrets
At Lin Chuan the classic sutras were revealed
But officials’ pillows must heed the calls of the court
The monks’ pitchers slosh as they read through the evening’s shade
I cannot see the wild geese that bear catkins
fireflies in grass stream to the heavens and fade
Tragic is my path by the shallow well
Thunderclaps signal heaven’s wrath, true to tell
Xiangze province lies close to the border
Dragon’s spit fills the coast with their stench and odor
The purple cassia invigorates my bony frame
Dark-colored duckwood rouses my spirit again
Notes:
[1] King Hanping reportedly killed himself when his wife died, and stories describe them as transformed into butterflies or mandarin ducks
[2] Xiangyu (232-202BC) the conqueror warlord, defeated by the first Han Emperor.
[3] Jade Tree was a famous concubine of the Southern Song dynasty. The Lu Family was the home of San Souchi (Miss No Worry)
[4] Pan Yue, poet, Western Jin (247-300AD) ; Shen Yue: Historian, Southern Dynasty (441-513AD)
[5] Placed in books to repel worms. Slats were for book labels
[6] The chief of the shamans, described in Chu Yuan’s classic poem Song of the South
[7] Pan Yue, poet, Western Jin (247-300AD) , also excelled in writing funeral elegies. He was also wrongly banished from the court.
[8] According to Confucius, at the death of a teacher, one should cry in one’s room, for the death of a friend, outside
[9] Implies a lover sent her hairpin in a silk letter
[10] LSY often identified himself with the traveling wild geese and the lonely messenger heron
[11] Dao Heng was a Jin Dynasty poet. The Fire Star appears in the 6th lunar month, and disappears in the 7th.
[12] According to legend a certain type of poplar could turn into a turtle after many years
[13] Literally, over the Xian River, but LSY often associates this river (or rivers) with tears e.g. spotted bamboo, so it seems reasonable to do so here.
[14] The Fu is a major poetic form, most popular between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD, and is a hybrid of prose and rhymed verse.
[15] Literally, the partridges flying. Since they typically fly southwards they must be racing in the opposite direction, towards him.
A Tang Poet From Nairobi 