Shrimps and Eels
- Poetry of Cao Zhi

《鰕䱇篇》
Shrimps and Eels by Cao Zhi
中文原文

鰕䱇游潢潦，不知江海流。

燕雀戏藩柴，安识鸿鹄游！

世士此诚明，大德固无俦。

驾言登五岳，然后小陵丘。

俯观上路人，势利惟是谋。

雠高念皇家，远怀柔九州。

抚剑而雷音，猛气纵横浮。

泛泊徒嗷嗷，谁知壮士忧？

English Translation

The shrimps and eels which linger in the mud 

Do not know how the seas and rivers flood.

How can sparrows which hop about the hedge 

Understand the flight of swans in full fledge?


With this idea rooted deep in mind,

You'll tower over others of your kind.

If you ride to the top of the Five Mounts,

You'll find that other mountains do not count.


Those profit-seekers,on the other hand,

Covet the wealth and power of the land.

To serve the kingdom is my lofty yearning;

To quell the country is my heartfelt burning.


When I touch my sword,it roars like thunder;

When I wave my sword,it flashes with wonder.

For those who crave beyond what wishes ban,

How can they understand the upright man?

Cao Zhi

- Last updated: 2024-08-08 15:09:55
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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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