Who lets the full moon hang on the sea
- Poetry of Nalan Xingde

《采桑子》

- Last updated: 2024-03-24 15:33:57

中文原文

海天谁放冰轮满，惆怅离情。

莫说离情，但值良宵总泪零。

只应碧落重相见，那是今生。

可奈今生，刚作愁时又忆卿。

English Translation

Who lets the full moon hang on the sea?

our emotion is low,

but never say any negative words.

Just let the tears drop down as they wish.

Maybe we only can have love in the next life,

what about this life?

i try to throw everything behind my life,

but you're still flickering in my dark heart like a firefly.

By Nalan Xingde

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.

List of Chinese poets