Spring poems

In the format of "Picking Mulberry" by Song dynasty poet Ou Yangshou

In deep spring, after the rains, West Lake is good:
Hundreds of plants compete in beauty,
Butterflies flit, bees buzz.
The clear day--warm--urges flowers, nearly a flame,
Wooden oars, decorated boat, gently gently goes,
Appears to be a fairy tale.
Reflecting on the ripples,
Of the water surface, wind lifts bringing flutes and strings.

He wrote ten poems in this format. Here is one of them.


Spring Day Inspiration Song dynasty poet Cen Hao

Few clouds, light breeze, nearly noontime,
Passing by flowers, following willows, crossing the river's head.
Other people don't know my heart's happiness,
They'll say my leisure mimics the young of age.

Su Curtain Covering style

"Su Curtain Covering" style by Song dynasty poet Fan Zhongyen, famous military genius and artist

Jade-green clouds in the sky; yellow leaves on the land.
Autumn colors touch ripples.
Ripples covered by misty smoke, pale-green.
Mountain casts setting sun, sky meets water.
Fresh grass without feeling:
Goes far beyond where the sun sets.


There's a second part to this poem: "When you're traveling; you get homesick. I have trouble sleeping unless my dreams are good. On nights with bright moon, standing on a high place, do not lean on the railing alone. When you're in a sad situation, drink wine. Wine becomes inward sorrow; tears of longing." [hand-written note from my grandpa: this last line is famous throughout generations.]

Under the sun, of first priority concerns are concerns.
Under the sun, in last place pleasures are pleasures.

Spring leaves

Clear Spring Day by Tang poet Wang Jia

Before the rain, at first, among the flower cups,
After the rain, all under the leaves, no flowers.
Bees and butterflies flurry scurry fly over the wall,
Suspect spring colors are at my neighbors. 


Garden Flowers

No. 4

Garden flowers: again a new round of blooms
Willow color: fresh green covers paths like dust
Husband in search of job: no news*
Spring wind saddens the one who leans on the balcony.

*In the embassy where I worked, there was a rumor that some people were going to be sent out to work elsewhere. Some of my colleagues were waiting to hear if they were going to move or not. 

Also, references a Tang poem:

Woman's quarters discontent

In the room, a young woman know no sorrow.
Spring day, made up, comes up stairs. 
Suddenly sees the fields and paths willow-colored.
Regrets urging husband to find a conferred title.

Roses

A summer day in the mountain by Tang dynasty poet Gao Ping

Green trees, thick shade, long summer days.
Tiered deck reflected in pool pond.
Clear bead curtain sways in light breeze.
Trellis full of roses, whole garden fragrant.

Home-garden Flowers

No. 2

Little garden, half acre, useful for growing,
Strolling past roses that bloom in order.
A "thousand steps" gradually strengthen back and feet,
Leisure walking not to look at flowers.