The Pavilion of Aquatic Perfume
- Poetry of Zeng Gong

《水香亭》
The Pavilion of Aquatic Perfume by Zeng Gong
English Translation

The pavilion hovers over liquid geometry,

Its lattice trembles with reflected quantum.

Jade-bamboo spears through the grove's democracy,

Twin rainbows bridge the flat bridge's phantom.


Fish auction beauty for algae-coins below,

Clear water exposes cold sand's cashflow.

Don't ask how lotus curves unfold—

Just follow scent-trails through liquid gold.

Composed during Zeng Gong's service as a local official, this poem reflects the scholar's deep appreciation for natural landscapes during a visit to the Pavilion of Water Fragrance (水香亭). While Zeng's poetry never prioritizes ornate diction, it excels in capturing profound beauty within tranquil scenes, using nature as both aesthetic object and philosophical medium. This work exemplifies his ability to transform simple observations into meditations on serene living.

中文原文( Chinese )

临池飞构郁岧巉，櫺槛无风影自摇。

群玉过林抽翠竹，双虹垂岸跨平桥。

烦依美藻鱼争饵，清见寒沙水满桡。

莫问荷花开几曲，但知行处异香飘。

- Last updated: 2025-10-05 15:46:16
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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.

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