Embracing Elegance: Reciting Classic Chinese Poetry in English
In the vast tapestry of world literature, Chinese poetry stands as a shimmering thread, woven with exquisite beauty and profound wisdom. From the ancient verses of the Tang Dynasty to the modern expressions of contemporary poets, the richness of Chinese poetic tradition transcends time and space. Let us embark on a journey through the corridors of time, as we explore and recite some timeless classics of Chinese poetry in English.
1. Li Bai (李白)
静夜思 (Quiet Night Thoughts)
床前明月光，疑是地上霜。
举头望明月，低头思故乡。
Beneath the moonlight, by my bed's head,
I fear it's frost upon the ground that's spread.
I raise my head to gaze at the bright moon,
And lower it, missing my homeland too soon.
2. Du Fu (杜甫)
春望 (Spring Prospect)
国破山河在，城春草木深。
感时花溅泪，恨别鸟惊心。
烽火连三月，家书抵万金。
白头搔更短，浑欲不胜簪。
My country lies in ruins, mountains and rivers endure,
Spring in the city, yet deep grows the verdure.
Moved by the moment, flowers shed tears in spree,
Parting birds startle my heart, oh how bitter it be!
Three months of beacons aflame, a family's letters rare,
With each day, my hair grows shorter, the burden hard to bear.
3. Wang Wei (王维)
相思 (Longing)
红豆生南国，春来发几枝。
愿君多采撷，此物最相思。
Red beans grow in the southland, in spring they bloom a few.
May you gather plenty, for they remind me most of you.
4. Bai Juyi (白居易)
赋得古原草送别 (Farewell to Meng Haoran at the Yellow Crane Tower)
离离原上草，一岁一枯荣。
野火烧不尽，春风吹又生。
远芳侵古道，晴翠接荒城。
又送王孙去，萋萋满别情。
The grass on the plain withers and grows,
Year by year, nature's cycle shows.
Wildfire cannot consume its might,
Spring breeze brings it back to light.
Far fragrance pervades ancient paths,
Clear greenery adorns desolate cities, hath.
Once more, I bid thee farewell, dear friend,
In verdant sadness, our parting shall blend.
5. Su Shi (苏轼)
江城子·乙卯正月二十日夜记梦 (Dreaming of the Capital)
十年生死两茫茫，不思量，自难忘。
千里孤坟，无处话凄凉。
纵使相逢应不识，尘满面，鬓如霜。
夜来幽梦忽还乡，小轩窗，正梳妆。
相顾无言，惟有泪千行。
料得年年肠断处，明月夜，短松冈。
Ten years, life and death, vast and obscure,
Unthinkable, unforgettable, that which we endure.
A thousand miles of solitary graves, despair untold,
No words for the desolation, no solace to behold.
Even if we meet, recognition may fade,
Faces covered in dust, as if in shade.
In the night, dreams bring me back to my home,
By the window, combing hair, feeling alone.
No words exchanged, only tears flow,
Each year, heartbreak in moonlight's glow,
By the short pine hill, where sorrows grow.
As we recite these verses in English, may the essence of Chinese poetry, with its evocative imagery and deep emotions, resonate across cultures and generations. Let us cherish and celebrate the timeless beauty of these classics, keeping their spirit alive in our hearts and minds.