Qingping Tune: Poem Two
A single radiant blossom holds dew and fragrance;
The clouds and rain of Mount Wu stir longing in vain.
May I ask who in the Han palace could compare?
Even lovely Feiyan depends on fresh adornment.
Notes
The blossom is commonly associated with the peony. Clouds and rain at Mount Wu refer to an ancient tale of a king and a goddess. Feiyan is Zhao Feiyan, a Han empress; kelian can have several historical senses and is often read here as “lovely.”
Meaning
A dew-covered blossom leads to comparisons with the Mount Wu legend and a figure from the Han court.
Appreciation
A blossom opens a sequence of comparisons involving mythology and a historical figure.
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Color, dew and scent give way to the Mount Wu legend.
A question introduces Zhao Feiyan; the historical word kelian needs to be read in context.
The allusions can be read alongside the legendary landscape in the first poem.
About the poet
Li Bai (c. 701–762), courtesy name Taibai, was a Tang poet whose travels inspired many poems about landscapes, friendship and journeys.
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Life: Li Bai grew up in the Shu region and traveled widely. He was summoned to serve at the Tang court before continuing his journeys.
Works: His poems include Thoughts on a Quiet Night, Viewing the Waterfall at Mount Lu and To Wang Lun.