RELATED TOPIC:
TANG POETRY

RELATED TOPIC:
LI BO (701-762)

RELATED TOPIC:
DU FU (721-770)

"Fields and Gardens by the River Qi," by Wang Wei

I dwell apart by the River Qi,
Where the Eastern wilds stretch far without hills.

The sun darkens beyond the mulberry trees;
The river glistens through the villages.

Shepherd boys depart, gazing back to their hamlets;
Hunting dogs return following their men.

When a man's at peace, what business does he have?
I shut fast my rustic door throughout the day.

[Translation by Paul Rouzer]

Paul Rouzer :: Now in Wang Wei's regulated verse, as in many regulated verses written during the Tang dynasty, the poet begins in the opening couplet to set the scene. He explains where he is, what time of day it is or what season of the year it is. Basically sets the scene for what's to come.