Partridges in the Sky-One More Fresh Day
- Poetry of Su Shi

《鹧鸪天·林断山明竹隐墙》

中文原文( Chinese )

林断山明竹隐墙，乱蝉衰草小池塘。

翻空白鸟时时见，照水红蕖细细香。

村舍外，古城旁，杖藜徐步转斜阳。

殷勤昨夜三更雨，又得浮生一日凉。

English Translation

Through forest breaks appear hills and bamboo-screened wall,

Cicadas shrill o'er withered grass near a pool small.

White birds are seen now and then looping in the air;

Pink lotus blooms on lake-side exude fragrance spare.

Beyond the cots,

Near the old town,

Cane in hand,I stroll round while the sun's slanting down.

Thanks to the welcome rain which fell when night was deep,

Now in my floating life one more fresh day I reap.

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- Last updated: 2023-12-29 22:23:40

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