荆溪白石出
White stones show above Jing Stream;
天寒红叶稀
In chilly weather, red leaves grow sparse.
山路元无雨
There is no rain on the mountain path,
空翠湿人衣
Yet the deep green seems to dampen my clothes.
What the poem means
White stones emerge from the shallow creek and cold weather leaves few red leaves. There is no rain, yet the rich mountain green seems to dampen the traveler's clothes. Color becomes a bodily sensation.
Meet the poet
Wang Wei was a Tang poet. White stones, sparse red leaves and deep green make the mountain scene feel close.
Wang Wei · More poems →