Song Dynasty ci poetry
cctv.com 04-15-2004 13:52
In ancient China, poetry in the ci form was actually lyrics composed to certain melodies. Its literary value gradually set it apart from music and became an independent form of literature.
Ci poetry became popular by Late Tang and the Five Dynasties with the emergence of famous ci poets like Wen Tingjun, Li Yu and others. The creation of ci poetry reached its height by the Song Dynasty, so much so that it was put on a par with Tang锛峝ynasty poetry in the history of literature.
In the beginning, ci poetry was sung as entertainment. As compared with poems, the form of ci was more suitable for expressing sentimental and complicated sentiments such as vague feelings of grief, quiet leisure, and trivial meditation. It was sung in low voices over wine in hidden courtyards.
锛嶏紞I ascend the stairs in prevailing chill
锛嶏紞The dismal morning resembles autumn late
锛嶏紞Painted screens display smoke and stream
锛嶏紞Light as dream the flowers fall
锛嶏紞Drizzle sprays as grief so light
锛嶏紞A silver hook holds up the curtain fine
锛嶏紞I compose a new song and drink a cup of wine
锛嶏紞In the bower of last year when weather is as fine
锛嶏紞When will you come back now the sun's on the decline
锛嶏紞Deeply I sigh for the fallen flowers in vain
锛嶏紞Vaguely I seem to know the swallows come again
锛嶏紞Loitering on the garden path I alone remain
The Song Dynasty placed more importance on literary talents than on military feats. Scholars and officials, leading a comparatively easy life, were able to savor the subtle beauty of everyday life and put their gentle feelings into ci poetry.
Nevertheless, romantic themes of scenery and love were only one aspect of human life. When ci poetry became the vogue of literature, its range of themes gradually turned from small deep courtyards to extensive human life.
锛嶏紞All aspects change on the frontier when autumn comes
锛嶏紞Wild geese fly southward without faltering
锛嶏紞Shouts echo on all sides along the border when the bugle blows
锛嶏紞Amid a thousand mountains
In spreading mists and setting sun the lonely citadel is closed
锛嶏紞A cup of poor wine my native land is far away
锛嶏紞The Huns are not conquered
I have no power to go home
锛嶏紞The Tartar flute comes wailing over a land frost锛峛ound
锛嶏紞One can hardly sleep
The general is white-haired and soldiers shed tears
This is a poem written by Fan Zhongyan, a famous general of Northern Song at the borderland depicting the scenery and his feelings. Su Shi and Xin Qiji represented the heroic school who broadened the content of ci poetry, expressing their concern for their country and people and their optimism and enterprising spirit.
锛嶏紞Listen not to the rain beating against trees
锛嶏紞I'll walk at leisure and chant at ease
锛嶏紞Better than a saddle
I like sandals and cane
锛嶏紞I have no fear
锛嶏紞In a straw cape
I'd spend my life in mist and rain
锛嶏紞I am sobered by spring wind
shrill and chill
锛嶏紞And see the slanting sun atop the hill
锛嶏紞Turning, I see the bleakness from where I came
Let me go back
锛嶏紞To live a life without rain or shine
Editor:Wang Ping Source:CCTV.com
