Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi
- Poetry of Chao Chongzhi

《临江仙·忆昔西池池上饮》
Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi by Chao Chongzhi
中文原文( Chinese )

忆昔西池池上饮，年年多少欢娱。

别来不寄一行书，寻常相见了，犹道不如初。

安稳锦衾今夜梦，月明好渡江湖。

相思休问定何如，情知春去后，管得落花无？

English Translation

Recollections of the West Pond come to me, how we drank in the pond,

Year after year, how we had many a joyful moment.

Since our parting, you have not so much as sent my way a note,

When we do come across each other on occasions,

I cannot even sense goodwill that a new acquaintance usually holds.


I've prepared a bed of embroidered quilt hoping for a good night's dream,

So as to allow me to the rivers and lakes cross.

In my wistfulness how could I consider where it would lead me towards?

For I know once spring has gone,

There is no one to prevent blossoms from drifting to their fall.

By Chao Chongzhi

- Last updated: 2024-06-14 10:44:45
· Pre： Magnolia Lyrics
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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