Crows under sunset trigger my sorrow
- Poetry of Xin Qiji

《鹧鸪天》

- Last updated: 2024-03-23 10:33:09

中文原文

晚日寒鸦一片愁。

柳塘新绿却温柔。

若教眼底无离恨，不信人间有白头。

肠已断，泪难收。

相思重上小红楼。

情知已被山遮断，频倚阑干不自由。

English Translation

Crows under sunset trigger my sorrow,

only the little grass by the pond is still cute.

If i haven't fallen in love with you,

i'll never believe that my hairs can turn white in one day.

You've left me years ago,but i still weep for you.

here i ascend the attic because i yearn for you.

Even the mountains shade the sky you fly,

i still lean on the balustrade trying to find something.

By Xin Qiji

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