Chen Zi'ang (pinyin: Chén Zǐ'áng; 661–702 AD), courtesy name Boyu (伯玉), was a pioneering Chinese poet and reformist of the early Tang Dynasty. Serving as an outspoken advisor to Empress Wu Zetian, he often faced political suppression despite his brilliant mind and unwavering patriotism.
He is deeply celebrated in Chinese literary history for single-handedly stripping away the artificial, flowery style of the preceding era, reviving the vigorous, authentic voice of ancient poetry. His monumental masterpiece, written in a moment of profound political disillusionment, remains one of the most powerful expressions of existential loneliness in world literature.
Chen Zi'ang’s Deng Youzhou Tai Ge (登幽州台歌)—composed in 696 AD during a disastrous northern military campaign agains…
Read Translation & Analysis →Where, before me, are the ages that have gone?
And where, behind me, are the coming generations?
I think of heaven and earth, without limit, without end,
And I am all alone and my tears fall down.
Chen Zi'ang's Gan Yu Shi San Shi Ba Shou · Qi Er (感遇诗三十八首·其二)—composed circa 698 during the poet's final years …
Read Translation & Analysis →In late spring grows the orchid good,
How luxuriant are its leaves green!
Alone it adorns empty wood
With red blooms and violet stems lean.
Slowly, slowly shortens the day;
Rippling, rippling blows autumn breeze.
By the year's end it fades away.
What has become of it fragrance, please?
If you were moved by Chen Zi'ang's profound cosmic loneliness and philosophical depth, explore these masterpieces of reflection and solitude:
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