English Rendering
Rain spills the pond over its rim,
Through jagged peaks—paths east-west swim.
Peach blossoms' blush-gone without trace,
Only emerald grass fills the space.
South of Town I
- Poetry of Zeng Gong
《城南二首 · 其一》
Original Text (中文原文)
雨过横塘水满堤，乱山高下路东西。
一番桃李花开尽，惟有青青草色齐。
Analysis & Context
Composed in 1077 during Zeng Gong's tenure as prefect of Fuzhou, this work captures the coastal southeast's lush springscape after rain. The poem contrasts peonies' fleeting glamour with grass's enduring verdure, embodying Zeng's philosophical stance that values substance over spectacle. Written during an excursion to Fuzhou's southern suburbs, it reflects his signature blend of quiet observation and metaphysical depth.
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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- South of Town II
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