Five ancient Chinese poems about spring
Editor's note: As winter chill still lingers through early spring, longing for warm days has sprung up everywhere.
Before the flowers are in full blossom, here is a collection of ancient Chinese poems depicting the revival of life during spring, which may help usher in a season to remember.
The English translations used in this article are from Chinese translator Xu Yuanchong's editions in 300 Tang Poems, published by China Intercontinental Press in 2012, and 300 Tang & Song Poems, published by Hebei People's Publishing House in 2003.
1
Spring Morning
by Meng Haoran (689-740) of Tang Dynasty (618-907)This spring morning in bed I'm lying,
Not to awake till the birds are crying.
After one night of wind and showers,
How many are the fallen flowers?
Written in a Village South
of the Capital
by Cui Hu (772 - 846)
of Tang Dynasty
In this house on this day last year, a pink face vied;
In beauty with the pink peach blossoms side by side.
I do not know today where the pink face has gone;
In the vernal breeze still smile pink peach blossoms full-blown.
3
Happy Rain on a Spring Night
(Excerpts)
by Du Fu (712-770) of Tang DynastyGood rain knows its time right;
It will fall when comes spring.
With wind it steals in night;
Mute, it moistens each thing.
4
Dreaming of the Southern Shore
by Bai Juyi (772-846)
of Tang Dynasty
Fair Southern shore,
With scenes I adore.
At sunrise riverside flowers redder than fire,
In spring green waves grow as blue as sapphire,
Which I can't but admire.
5
Love Seeds
by Wang Wei (701-761)
of Tang Dynasty
Red berries grow in the southern land.
How many load in spring the trees!
Gather them till full is your hand;
They would revive fond memories.
Talking of spring, what poems come to mind first? Please comment below and share with us.
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