Poetry Blog No 155 Chinese Poem

CHINESE POEM 

 

This "free" form poem is based on iambic "feet" (2 syllables unstressed, stressed) with lines of varied length (from 2 to 5 feet) apart from the last two lines that start on a stressed syllable (trochaic). The term Chinese Poem indicates its relationship in feeling and form to some English translations of Chinese poetry. Every poem bears some relationship to all the other poems ever written. Everything works in relationship to some tradition, even if it is reacting against a tradition. This poem is looking at a real view through the "lens" or perception of the tradition of Chinese poems in translation and uses this as part of the poem itself.

CHINESE POEM

"But who so wise as to embark in search of Lan Li,

Solitary in the mist and water of the Five Lakes,

forgetful of the world?"

- WEN T'ING-YUN, At the Ferry South of Lin-chou.

The early morning view's revealed

like silken Chinese painting now-

its hues subdued,

sky misted by light cloud,

lake water tranquil,

and scarcely touched by a moving detail:

a fishing boat or ferry faraway.

All trees are still,

each difference of green

brings gentle contrasts, subtly outlining

the forms of foliage upon the island;

while further away

the plateau's low hills

are blue-grayed

to lighter tones.

An occasional

black water-bird's wings

are silhouetted by the flash

and sparkle of bright ripples.

And strange to read, just now,

a poem from past time,

and glance up, seeing its serenity-

nature's early morning

Chinese calm.