On History
- Poetry of Li Shangyin
Water shimmers in Northern Lake and by Southern Tower,
All kings surrendered with white flags to a new power.
Three hundred years have passed like a dream one and all;
No Coiling Dragon could keep kingdoms from downfall.
This poem was written in the 11th year of the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (857) during the Tang dynasty. Li Shangyin, recommended by Liu Zhongying, was appointed as the Salt and Iron Commissioner and traveled to Jiangdong. During his time in Jiangdong, Li Shangyin wrote a series of historical poems, often using history as a mirror to satirize the corruption in the society and politics of his time, especially criticizing the king’s indulgence in luxury and debauchery that led to the ruin of the country.
北湖南埭水漫漫，一片降旗百尺竿。
三百年间同晓梦，钟山何处有龙盘。
- 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.