In the early spring
- Poetry of Yan Jidao

《临江仙》

中文原文( Chinese )

浅浅余寒春半，雪消蕙草初长。

烟迷柳岸旧池塘。

风吹梅蕊闹，雨细杏花香。

月堕枝头欢意，从前虚梦高唐，觉来何处放思量。

如今不是梦，真个到伊行。

English Translation

Early spring the snow hasn't thawed,

the little buds have sprouted.

On the old pond where mist surrounds willow trees,

i pluck a plum flower in the light rain.

Cuckoos cry their heart out to redden

this beautiful promise land.

How could i distinguish which dream or reality is,

seeing you kiss me,i just couldn't believe this's all true.

By Yan Jidao

- Last updated: 2024-03-17 18:56:05

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