1. On and On, Ever Onward
On and on, and again on and on, parted from you while we live.
Poetry library / Nineteen Old Poems
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Nineteen Old Poems
A collection of nineteen anonymous Han-dynasty poems. Read the Chinese with pinyin and an English translation, and move between the poems in their traditional order.
2. Green, Green the Grass by the River
Green, green, the grass along the river bank; lush, lush, the willows in the garden.
3. Green, Green the Cypress on the Tomb Mound
Green, green, the cypress on the tomb-mound; heaped, heaped, the stones in the ravine.
4. A Fine Feast Today
Today's fair feast—its pleasures are hard to set forth in full.
5. In the Northwest There Is a High Tower
In the northwest there is a tall tower, its top level with the drifting clouds.
6. Crossing the River to Gather Lotus
I cross the river to gather lotus; in the orchid marshes many fragrant plants grow.
7. Bright Moon, Shining Night
The bright moon shines in the night; the cricket sings on the eastern wall.
8. Tender, Tender the Lonely Bamboo
Tender, tender, the solitary bamboo, striking root on the slope of Mount Tai.
9. In the Courtyard Stands a Rare Tree
In the courtyard there is a rare tree, its green leaves surrounding abundant blossoms.
10. Far, Far Away the Herd-Boy Star
Far, far away the Herd Boy star; bright, bright the Weaving Maid by the River of Heaven.
11. I Turn My Carriage and Drive On
I turn the carriage and drive on: far, far I travel the long road.
12. The East Wall Is High and Long
The eastern wall is high and long, winding on and joining upon itself.
13. Driving Out the East Gate
I drive the cart up to the East Gate, and gaze far at the graves north of the walls.
14. The Departed Grow Daily More Distant
Those who are gone grow daily more distant; those who come grow daily more dear.
15. Life Does Not Reach a Hundred Years
The years of life do not reach a hundred, yet we ever harbor cares of a thousand years.
16. Cold, Cold, the Year Draws to Its Close
Keen and cold the year draws to its close; at dusk the mole-cricket sings its grief.
17. The Cold of Early Winter Arrives
In the first month of winter the cold air comes; how bitter and shivering the north wind.
18. A Visitor from Afar
A traveller came from far away, and brought me a bolt of fine silk.
19. How Bright the Moon
The bright moon, how it shines; it lights my gauze bed-curtain.