English Rendering
Mountains exhale their soul as snow departs,
Spring's breath licks the world—winter's last art.
Tomorrow the apricot grove will explode in pink riot,
Quick! Call the flower-watchers—let's start the quiet.
Snow Clear on Lunar January 6th
- Poetry of Zeng Gong
《正月六日雪霁》
Original Text (中文原文)
雪消山水见精神，满眼东风送早春。
明日杏园应烂漫，便须期约看花人。
Analysis & Context
Composed during the Xining era of Emperor Shenzong's reign, this poem captures a moment of seasonal transition in Qizhou (modern Jinan, Shandong), where Zeng Gong served as prefect. Written after a snowfall on the cusp of spring's arrival, it celebrates nature's reawakening while expressing anticipation for shared joys with friends. The work reflects Zeng's characteristic blend of administrative diligence and poetic sensitivity to natural rhythms—a testament to his belief in governance that harmonizes with cosmic order.
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.
- 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
- 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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