Extempore verse
- Poetry of Li Qingzhao

《偶成》

English Translation

Fifteen years ago, under a full moon,

We wrote love poems amid spring blooms.

The garden looks so under the same moon,

If I could remain in the same mood!

(trans. by Julia Min)

This short verse was probably composed after she settled in Ling’an, the new capital. It’s a popular theme in many of the artistic works created during this period when the new settlers often sensed strong pain missing their lost family members. Obviously our poet revealed her deep yearning for her husband and the happy days they spent together in their Qingzhou home where they experienced the happiest marriage life for over 10 years.

中文原文( Chinese )

十五年前花月底，相从曾赋赏花詩。

今看花月浑相似，安得情怀似往時。

Pre： Writing to my Friends from my Hotel at Chang-le

Next：From the balcony to the bare distance

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.

Extempore verse - Poetry of Li Qingzhao

Extempore verse
- Poetry of Li Qingzhao