Crows under sunset trigger my sorrow
- Poetry of Xin Qiji

《鹧鸪天》

中文原文

晚日寒鸦一片愁。

柳塘新绿却温柔。

若教眼底无离恨，不信人间有白头。

肠已断，泪难收。

相思重上小红楼。

情知已被山遮断，频倚阑干不自由。

English Translation

Crows under sunset trigger my sorrow,

only the little grass by the pond is still cute.

If i haven't fallen in love with you,

i'll never believe that my hairs can turn white in one day.

You've left me years ago,but i still weep for you.

here i ascend the attic because i yearn for you.

Even the mountains shade the sky you fly,

i still lean on the balustrade trying to find something.

By Xin Qiji

- Last updated: 2024-03-23 10:33:09

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