O faint and ruddy light, that from the sun’s low foot doth spill
In a moist, trembling sprinkle, while — beneath the laurel’s bough —
A thin frost, undissolved, upon the chilly branches lies still.
Yet a dim warmth, a breath almost, begins to disallow
The Winter’s rigid frown; and now the lengthening Day has won
His leave from the long Night — their ancient, silent treaty done.
日脚淡光红洒洒，薄霜不销桂枝下。
依稀和气排冬严，已就长日辞长夜。
This poem was composed by the mid-Tang poet Li He and is one piece from a series of poems. Li He's life was brief; he died young at the age of twenty-seven, yet with his uniquely extraordinary and magnificent poetic style, he carved a distinct niche in the poetic world, earning the name "Ghost of Poetry." This series was written for the Henan Prefectural Examination; it consists of twelve poems celebrating each month, depicting the seasonal changes throughout the year.
Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.
Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.
Journey through the dynasties. Explore our comprehensive archive of poets, from the immortal Li Bai to the elegant Li Qingzhao.
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