Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi
- Poetry of Ouyang Xiu

《临江仙·柳外轻雷池上雨》
Lyrics to the Linjiang Narcissi by Ouyang Xiu
中文原文( Chinese )

柳外轻雷池上雨，雨声滴碎荷声。

小楼西角断虹明。

阑干倚处，待得月华生。

燕子飞来窥画栋，玉钩垂下帘旌。

凉波不动簟纹平。

水精双枕，傍有堕钗横。

English Translation

Beyond the foliage of willows claps soft thunder, over the pool falls rain,

Drips and drops of rain on lotus leaves sound create.

A rainbow hangs to the west of this place.

By the balustrade I lean,

Waiting for the moon to shine and height gain.


Here come swallows scouting about columns and beams that are decorated,

So I lower the curtains by letting loose hooks made of jade.

The pattern on the flat bamboo mat glistens like cool water waves.

By the pair of glass pillows,

Lie a hairpin on its side mislaid.

By Ouyang Xiu

- Last updated: 2024-06-16 10:09:33
· 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.

List of Chinese poets

© 2024 CN-Poetry.com Chinese Poems in English