Homage to the Mountain
- Poetry of Li Shangyin

《谒山》

English Translation

Since olden days there is no rope to bind the sun.

How could we stop the cloud and water on the run?

I'd like to buy the vast sea from the goddess nice,

But a cup of spring dew soon turns as cold as ice.

Poem translator: Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)

This poem was composed by Li Shangyin during his visit to a famous mountain. Inspired by the scenery, he laments the passage of time and the impermanence of life. Through romantic imagination, the poet imbues an age-old theme with fresh meaning, reflecting deeply on time and fate.

中文原文( Chinese )

从来系日乏长绳，水去云回恨不胜。

欲就麻姑买沧海，一杯春露冷如冰。

Pre： How I Long for the Capital’s Lantern Festival

Next：On the Tower of the City Wall

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.

Homage to the Mountain - Poetry of Li Shangyin

Homage to the Mountain
- Poetry of Li Shangyin