In summer sky-high mountains white with snow,
In bitter cold no fragrant flowers blow.
Songs on the flute are heard of Willows Green,
But nowhere is the vernal colour seen.
From dawn till dusk to beats of drum they fight;
With saddle in their arms they rest at night.
From scabbard at my waist I'd draw my sword
To kill the chieftain of the Turki horde.
五月天山雪，无花只有寒。
笛中闻折柳，春色未曾看。
晓战随金鼓，宵眠抱玉鞍。
愿将腰下剑，直为斩楼兰。
This is the first poem in Li Bai's series of frontier poems, written during the period of frontier wars in the Tang Dynasty. These poems describe the hard lives of frontier soldiers, their loyalty to their country, and their courageous spirit. This poem, through its depiction of the harsh environment on the frontier and the soldiers' hardships, showcases their resilience and heroism in difficult times. Through sympathy and encouragement for the soldiers, the poet expresses his ambition to achieve great feats for his country.
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.
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