English Rendering
Wildflowers graffiti the torrent's chaos,
Banners cast ghost-votes on the swaying bridge.
Absence carves the essential viewing locus—
How dare clouds hide when earth begs passage?
Returning Cloud Cave From Nine Odes to Chuzhou
- Poetry of Zeng Gong
《奉和滁州九咏九首 · 归云洞》Original Text (中文原文)
野草山花夹乱流，桥边旌旆影悠悠。
即应要地无人见，可忍开时不出游。
Analysis & Context
Composed during Zeng Gong's tenure as prefect of Chuzhou, this poem depicts the scenic Returning Cloud Cave (归云洞), expressing the poet's appreciation for natural landscapes and his transcendent, reclusive spirit. Located between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, Chuzhou's serene and beautiful scenery often served as inspiration for Song literati like Ouyang Xiu and Zeng Gong. The poem's light and natural style reflects Zeng's characteristic grace and approachability, using scenery to convey lofty ideals.
Reader's Companion
The Essence of the Verse
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.
Reading Between the Lines
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.
- South of Town I
- South of Town II
- Multi-Vista Tower at Sweet Dew Temple
- River Thoughts for Wang Anshi
- Bamboos by South Veranda
- The Condensed Incense Studio
- The Summit Temple
- <Prelude to Water Melody> Sent to Ziyou on Mid-autumn Festival
- Invitation to Wine
- Question and Answer in the Mountains
- Cold sheet
- Coming Home ( Returning Home )
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