The Palace
The old palace is quiet and desolate;
Palace flowers bloom red in solitude.
White-haired women of the court remain,
Sitting at leisure, speaking of Emperor Xuanzong.
Notes
An imperial palace used away from the main residence is a xinggong; this one is often identified with the Shangyang Palace at Luoyang. Xuanzong refers to the Tang emperor Li Longji.
Meaning
In a quiet old palace, flowers still bloom while white-haired court women sit and speak of Emperor Xuanzong.
Appreciation
The poem turns from an empty palace to white-haired court women, suggesting the passage of time.
Read the full appreciationCollapse
Red flowers continue to bloom, yet their brightness does not dispel the quiet.
The last line names their conversation but leaves its content unsaid, allowing the past to remain beyond the frame.
Compare the flowers, the building and the people as different signs of time.
About the poet
Yuan Zhen (779–831), courtesy name Weizhi, was a Tang poet from Luoyang.
Read about the poetCollapse
He held official posts and experienced exile. He was a close friend and poetic correspondent of Bai Juyi.
His works include The Palace and poems titled Mourning.