Spring View in Hangzhou
- Poetry of Bai Juyi
Viewed from the Seaside Tower morning clouds look bright;
Along the riverbank I tread on fine sand white.
The General's Temple hears roaring nocturnal tide;
Spring dwells in the Beauty's Bower green willow hide.
The red sleeves weave brocade broidered with flowers fine;
Blue streamers show amid pear blossoms a shop of wine.
Who opens a southwest lane to the temple scene?
It slants like a silk girdle around a skirt green.
This poem depicts the beautiful spring scenery of Hangzhou, blending the natural landscape of West Lake, local customs, and historical sites into a vibrant and poetic picture of Jiangnan in spring. The poet uses the word "gaze" throughout the poem, emphasizing the broad perspective of looking far and wide from a high vantage point, while also expressing deep admiration for Hangzhou. This is not only a tribute to its beauty but also a reflection of the poet’s joy in witnessing the prosperity of a flourishing era.
望海楼明照曙霞，护江堤白踏晴沙。
涛声夜入伍员庙，柳色春藏苏小家。
红袖织绫夸柿蒂，青旗沽酒趁梨花。
谁开湖寺西南路，草绿裙腰一道斜。
- Why Chinese poems is so special?
- The most distinctive features of Chinese poetry are: concision- many poems are only four lines, and few are much longer than eight; ambiguity- number, tense and parts of speech are often undetermined, creating particularly rich interpretative possibilities; and structure- most poems follow quite strict formal patterns which have beauty in themselves as well as highlighting meaningful contrasts.
- How to read a Chinese poem?
- Like an English poem, but more so. Everything is there for a reason, so try to find that reason. Think about all the possible connotations, and be aware of the different possibilities of number and tense. Look for contrasts: within lines, between the lines of each couplet and between successive couplets. Above all, don't worry about what the poet meant- find your meaning.