The Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) is often regarded as the golden age of Chinese poetry, where Tang Dynasty poet elevated literary expression to new heights, weaving their artistry into the fabric of everyday life. The following ten poems by renowned Tang Dynasty poets embody the essence of this era, capturing the beauty, philosophy, and emotions of ancient China.
1. “A Quiet Night Thought” by Li Bai (李白)
Beneath my bed, the frost gleams white,
I gaze at the moon, so soft, so bright.
Homesickness wells in this distant place,
I long for my homeland’s warm embrace.
This short yet profound poem is an ode to longing and the eternal pull of home, as the poet reflects on the moonlit night away from his native land.
2. “Spring Dawn” by Meng Haoran (孟浩然)
In spring’s dawn, slumber lightly fades,
Warbler songs drift through forest glades.
A night of wind and rain now gone,
Petals carpet the ground at dawn.
Meng Haoran’s vivid depiction of spring showcases nature’s beauty and the passage of time.
3. “Drinking Alone Under the Moon” by Li Bai
With wine in hand beneath the moon,
I drink alone, no friends commune.
Raising a toast, I invite the light,
Together we dance through the silent night.
Li Bai’s whimsical yet contemplative lines express a unique connection between humanity, nature, and solitude.
4. “Changan Memories” by Du Fu (杜甫)
The grand city hums with endless cheer,
Markets alive, with goods from far and near.
Amidst the splendor, my heart grows still,
Dreaming of home, beyond the hill.
Du Fu’s works often juxtapose personal emotion with societal grandeur, creating a sense of universal humanity.
5. “Song of Everlasting Regret” by Bai Juyi (白居易)
Through palace halls, their love did shine,
A romance immortal, beyond time’s design.
But kingdoms fall and lovers part,
Leaving behind a grieving heart.
Bai Juyi’s narrative masterpiece immortalizes the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang.
6. “On the Stork Tower” by Wang Zhihuan (王之涣)
To climb Stork Tower is to reach the skies,
Each step higher, new vistas arise.
Gaze afar for a broader view,
The boundless river, the heavens blue.
This poem inspires ambition and the pursuit of perspective, echoing universal truths.
7. “Mountain Travel” by Wang Wei (王维)
The woods grow deep, the streams run clear,
Moss on stones shows no passing year.
A lone boat drifts where the rivers meet,
Serenity reigns in this retreat.
Wang Wei’s tranquil landscapes blend Buddhist philosophy with poetic elegance.
8. “Farewell to a Friend” by Li Bai
At Yellow Crane Tower, we part in tears,
In the misty distance, your sail appears.
To Jiangling’s shores, the rivers flow,
As lone as autumn clouds, I stand below.
Li Bai’s farewell poem captures the bittersweet nature of parting and the enduring bond of friendship.
9. “Spring River Flower Moon Night” by Zhang Ruoxu (张若虚)
The tide of spring flows vast and bright,
A river of stars, flowers, and moonlight.
Who first saw the moon rise high?
Who now sees its beauty nigh?
Zhang Ruoxu’s meditative lines merge cosmic wonder with the timeless nature of human life.
10. “Seeing Meng Haoran Off to Guangling” by Li Bai
Sailing to Guangling, my dear friend goes,
Amid vast waters, a lone boat shows.
White sails fade to the edge of the sky,
Where rivers and heavens seem to unify.
This poem celebrates friendship and the poignant beauty of separation.
These Tang Dynasty poems transcend time and geography, offering glimpses into the human experience through the eyes of masters who lived centuries ago. Their verses invite readers to reflect on universal themes of love, loss, nature, and ambition, proving that poetry has the power to connect hearts across ages.
