A Message to Huangzhou
- Poetry of Su Shi

《如梦令·有寄》
A Message to Huangzhou by Su Shi
English Translation

Pass my regards to my pals by East Slope.

Tell them I’m close to the Throne, doing well.

Let me know if any friends to my Snow Hall,

And if the little bridge were buried in snow.

How I wish to return, back to East Slope,

To plough my spring field as river rain grows.

This poem, composed with colloquial language, reads just like the tone of a short message to the Head of Prefecture. It reveals interesting vibes under the lines, where you can easily sense the bright and breezy spirit of Su Shi after he finally got pardoned by the Emperor and reclaimed his voice at the Court, working in Hanlin Academy (翰林院) which was the centre of administration comprised of Song’s most prestigious men in the gentlemen’s society.  There is a change of sentiment in the last two lines, showing his longing to be away from the busy centre for a farming life in the country, which was a persistent longing throughout his official career.  It makes you suspicious that his experience at the Royal Court was not without challenges. or, it could simply be a friendly message meant to warm the hearts of his friends at Huangzhou.

中文原文( Chinese )

为向东坡传语：人在玉堂深处。

别后有谁来？雪压小桥无路。

归去，归去！江上一犁春雨。

- Last updated: 2025-04-21 17:41:24
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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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