On the River
- Poetry of Wang Anshi

《江上》

English Translation

Autumn's gloom cracks like an egg northshore,

Pregnant clouds waddle—spill? wait? unsure.

Mountains coil to block all routes—then, sails!

A thousand wings materialize through veils.

This poem was composed during Wang Anshi's later years when he retreated to Zhongshan in the Northern Song period. Having withdrawn from political life, he devoted himself to poetry, calligraphy, and Buddhist philosophy, seeking inner tranquility and simplicity. This heptasyllabic quatrain, one of his many exquisitely crafted short works, captures the poet's observations and reflections while boating on the river and gazing at the landscape's clouds and mist. With concise language and a serene tone, the poem blends painterly scenes with philosophical contemplation, presenting both natural imagery and profound meaning that conveys the poet's insights on life, politics, and the future.

中文原文( Chinese )

江北秋阴一半开，晚云含雨却低回。

青山缭绕疑无路，忽见千帆隐映来。

Pre： Spring Lament: Rain on Southern Trees

Next：Ascending the Flying Peak

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.

On the River - Poetry of Wang Anshi

On the River
- Poetry of Wang Anshi