If Love Could Stay in the Day We Firstly Met
- Poetry of Nalan Xingde

《木兰花·拟古决绝词柬友》

- Last updated: 2024-03-24 15:48:12

中文原文

人生若只如初见，何事秋风悲画扇。

等闲变却故人心，却道故人心易变。

骊山语罢清宵半，泪雨霖铃终不怨。

何如薄幸锦衣郎，比翼连枝当日愿。

English Translation

If love could stay in the day we firstly met,

maybe i wouldn't languish for your sweet love.

The time changed us both with the hurt,

but you said it's only me who changed the mind.

The Emperor promised his concubine love forever,

under pear tree it was all bubble,but at least they loved.

How could you compare yourself with the Emperor?

you promised nothing but i still waited for you spoonily.

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