English Rendering
The hills pour green to flood the pools,
Straight trenches curve to liquid jewels.
Counting petals makes time bloom—
Late return perfumes the gloom.
The Northern Hills
- Poetry of Wang Anshi
《北山》
Original Text (中文原文)
北山输绿涨横池，直堑回塘滟滟时。
细数落花因坐久，缓寻芳草得归迟。
Analysis & Context
This poem was composed during Wang Anshi's later years after his retirement to Zhongshan, following his resignation as chancellor. Free from the tumult of political affairs, he immersed himself in nature, achieving a state of serene tranquility. This landscape quatrain exemplifies his late poetic style—elegant, understated, and imbued with personified natural imagery. Amidst the secluded beauty of Beishan's spring scenery, the poet's mind wanders freely, using mountains and waters as vessels for his contemplations on life, revealing profound insights through subtle details.
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.
- Ascending the Flying Peak
- On the River
- Spring Lament: Rain on Southern Trees
- Northern Slope Apricot Blossoms
- The Courier Station at Ge Creek
- The Northern Hills
- 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 →