English Rendering
The rain falls sparse and fine—neither much nor gone,
Refusing to cease though its force is withdrawn.
As if begrudging poets the mountain view,
It hangs a bead-curtain to hide peaks from you.
Light Rain
- Poetry of Yang Wanli
《小雨》
Original Text (中文原文)
雨来细细复疏疏，纵不能多不肯无。
似妒诗人山入眼，千峰故隔一帘珠。
Analysis & Context
Composed during the Qiandao era of Emperor Xiaozong of Southern Song. Yang Wanli encountered light rain during a journey and composed this piece. It was early summer, and as he traveled through the mountains, fine drizzle fell continuously, inspiring the poet. Throughout his life, Yang traveled extensively and particularly loved depicting rain scenes, often transforming ordinary sights into vivid and delightful imagery. Though brief, this poem "Light Rain" embodies the essence of his Chengzhai style: natural simplicity infused with wit and charm.
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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- Evening Walk in Autumn Cool
- Reply to Tang Shudu's Snow Poem
- Chasing Coolness on a Summer Night
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- Sympathy for the Peasants
- 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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