Returning Cloud Cave From Nine Odes to Chuzhou
- Poetry of Zeng Gong
《奉和滁州九咏九首 · 归云洞》
English Translation
Wildflowers graffiti the torrent's chaos,
Banners cast ghost-votes on the swaying bridge.
Absence carves the essential viewing locus—
How dare clouds hide when earth begs passage?
Composed during Zeng Gong's tenure as prefect of Chuzhou, this poem depicts the scenic Returning Cloud Cave (归云洞), expressing the poet's appreciation for natural landscapes and his transcendent, reclusive spirit. Located between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, Chuzhou's serene and beautiful scenery often served as inspiration for Song literati like Ouyang Xiu and Zeng Gong. The poem's light and natural style reflects Zeng's characteristic grace and approachability, using scenery to convey lofty ideals.
中文原文( Chinese )
野草山花夹乱流，桥边旌旆影悠悠。
即应要地无人见，可忍开时不出游。
Pre： Ode to the Willow
- 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.
Famous Chinese Poems
- Pomegranate Blossoms at Zhang’s Lodge
- Willow Catkins Over the Pond
- Written for My Grandnephew at the Blue Pass
- South of Town I
- South of Town II
- Multi-Vista Tower at Sweet Dew Temple
- River Thoughts for Wang Anshi
- Bamboos by South Veranda
- The Condensed Incense Studio
- Ten Thousand Thoughts a Day
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