English Rendering
With moth-eyebrows and fine face, kingdom-toppling in grace,
Rings tinkling, pendants swaying, newly met face to face.
The Milky Way slants o'er the white jade hall,
The lotus-patterned screen dims the lamplight's fall.
Song of the Roosting Crows I
- Poetry of Liu Fangping
《栖乌曲二首 · 其一》
Original Text (中文原文)
蛾眉曼脸倾城国，鸣环动佩新相识。
银汉斜临白玉堂，芙蓉行障掩灯光。
Analysis & Context
"Song of the Roosting Crows" is a set of Yuefu-style poems by the Tang Dynasty poet Liu Fangping, consisting of two pieces that belong to the tradition of palace laments and romantic lyrics. The first poem portrays a woman’s appearance, demeanor, and opulent surroundings, capturing the charm and emotions of a secluded palace dweller. Such poetry often follows the Han and Wei Yuefu legacy of "song lyrics," depicting feminine beauty and sorrow—delicately illustrating the figure while subtly conveying a sense of personal destiny. Although Liu Fangping achieved little success in his official career, he excelled in short verses on romantic and palace themes. His "Song of the Roosting Crows" continues this style: using lush language to express nuanced emotions, it blends rich color with deep feeling, fully showcasing his refined artistry within the late Tang poetic scene.
Reader's Companion
The Essence of the Verse
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.
Reading Between the Lines
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.
- The Lotus-Gathering Song
- Hymns of Harmony: Song of a Banished Beauty
- Imitation: Lament of a Courtesan
- The Bronze Terrace Courtesan
- Song of the Roosting Crows I
- Song of the Roosting Crows II
- The Summit Temple
- <Prelude to Water Melody> Sent to Ziyou on Mid-autumn Festival
- Invitation to Wine
- Question and Answer in the Mountains
- Cold sheet
- Coming Home ( Returning Home )
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