English Rendering
At mountain's edge, sparse reds streak the last glow,
Where evening mists entwine, cottages show.
I shift my boat, enticed by sweeter air—
Trifoliate oranges bloom, charming shallow shoal.
Mountain's End
- Poetry of Liu Guo
《山末》
Original Text (中文原文)
山末疏红尾尾霞，晚烟丛薄是人家。
移船更喜吹香好，枸橘药开媚浅沙。
Analysis & Context
Composed by Liu Guo, a renowned Southern Song lyric poet known for blending boldness with delicacy, this five-character quatrain captures a twilight scene at mountain's edge. Likely written during travels, the poem depicts the poet boating through wilderness to discover a harmonious tableau of sunset clouds, mist-veiled dwellings, and medicinal blossoms. Though brief, the work embodies Liu's serene communion with nature and his gift for finding wonder in subtle landscapes.
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 Ferry at Yiyang
- The Village Tavern
- Quatrain of Four Words: Deep Love, True Heart
- Mountain's End
- Tipsy Verse
- Seated with Fangweng
- 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 )
The Masters' Directory
Journey through the dynasties. Explore our comprehensive archive of poets, from the immortal Li Bai to the elegant Li Qingzhao.
View All Poets →