I tried to say when we reunite on the feast
- Poetry of Ouyang Xiu

《玉楼春》

- Last updated: 2024-03-23 10:41:33

中文原文

尊前拟把归期说，欲语春容先惨咽。

人生自是有情痴，此恨不关风与月。

离歌且莫翻新阕，一曲能教肠寸结。

直须看尽洛城花，始共春风容易别。

English Translation

I tried to say when we reunite on the feast,

but how could i say when you wept so sad?

There're always some person die for the love,

it’s not about the moonshine or wind.

"Please don't sing your new love song",you said.

those melodies would break your heart.i understood.

Let me wander on the cherry forest of Luoyang city,

maybe then i'll forget how badly i love you.

By Ou Yangxiu

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.

List of Chinese poets