Listening to the Qin
Clear notes sound from seven strings;
Listening quietly, I hear a chill wind in the pines.
Though I myself love this old melody,
People today seldom play it.
Notes
Lingling describes a clear sound; seven strings refer to the qin. The sound evokes cool wind among pines. “Many no longer play” does not mean no one plays the old melody.
Meaning
Clear qin notes evoke cool wind in pines; the speaker loves the old melody although many people no longer play it.
Appreciation
The poem moves from quiet listening to a reflection on an old melody.
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A clear sound becomes the image of cool wind among pines.
The contrast between personal affection and what many people play introduces a quiet regret.
Listen to music and describe an image it brings to mind.
About the poet
Liu Changqing, courtesy name Wenfang, was a Tang poet who served as prefect of Suizhou. His dates and place of origin are uncertain.
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He held offices in several places and experienced exile; landscapes, partings and journeys appear in his work.
His poems include Seeing Off Master Lingche and Staying with the Master of Furong Mountain in Snow.