Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi
- Poetry of Chao Chongzhi

《临江仙·忆昔西池池上饮》

English Rendering

Recollections of the West Pond come to me, how we drank in the pond,

Year after year, how we had many a joyful moment.

Since our parting, you have not so much as sent my way a note,

When we do come across each other on occasions,

I cannot even sense goodwill that a new acquaintance usually holds.


I've prepared a bed of embroidered quilt hoping for a good night's dream,

So as to allow me to the rivers and lakes cross.

In my wistfulness how could I consider where it would lead me towards?

For I know once spring has gone,

There is no one to prevent blossoms from drifting to their fall.

Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi by Chao Chongzhi
Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi by Chao Chongzhi

Original Text (中文原文)

忆昔西池池上饮,年年多少欢娱。

别来不寄一行书,寻常相见了,犹道不如初。

安稳锦衾今夜梦,月明好渡江湖。

相思休问定何如,情知春去后,管得落花无?

Analysis & Context

By Chao Chongzhi

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.

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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.

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