Lotus-Gathering Song
Water-chestnut leaves turn with the ripples; lotus leaves sway in the wind.
Among the lotus blossoms, little boats pass through.
On meeting a young man, she wishes to speak, then lowers her head and smiles;
Her green-jade hairpin falls into the water.
Notes
Lotus-Gathering Song is a traditional title used by several poets. Líng is water chestnut; zhǎn means to sway in the wind. Láng refers to a young man, and sāotóu is a hairpin. Bìyù is green jade.
Meaning
Leaves move with water and wind as boats pass among lotus flowers. Meeting a young man, a lotus gatherer begins to speak, lowers her head and smiles; her jade hairpin falls into the water.
Appreciation
This lyric begins with wind and water around lotus leaves, then focuses on a small gesture during an encounter.
Read the full appreciationCollapse
Leaves, ripples and boats all move, giving the pond a lively sense of motion.
The wish to speak, a lowered head and a falling hairpin suggest a moment of feeling without explaining the entire relationship.
Imagine leaves moving on the water and notice where the poem shifts from landscape to people.
About the poet
Bai Juyi (772–846), courtesy name Letian, was a Tang poet and official born near present-day Xinzheng, Henan.
Read about the poetCollapse
His works include Song of the Pipa Player, Song of Everlasting Sorrow and many poems about daily life.