English Rendering
The Sacred Field awaits the Emperor's ride,
While I'm stranded in Changsha—years slip by.
No chance to counsel at the Palace side,
Where in the South can my writings fly?
On Hearing of the Imperial Plowing Ceremony
- Poetry of Liu Zongyuan
《闻籍田有感》
Original Text (中文原文)
天田不日降皇舆，留滞长沙岁又除。
宣室无由问釐事，周南何处托成书。
Analysis & Context
This poem expresses his pent-up emotions. By invoking two historical allusions—Jia Yi and Sima Tan—Liu reflects on their misfortunes and likens himself to them, revealing his loyalty to the state, his yearning to achieve greatness, and his indignation at being cast aside in a remote land with no means to voice his counsel.
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.
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- Midnight Vigil in West Garden
- Villager's Song I
- Villager's Song II
- Villager's Song III
- After Rain at the River Crossing
- 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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