Poetry Buds · 听古诗

OPEN POETRY LIBRARY · S01 / 100

An Invitation to Liu Nineteen

问刘十九 · Bai Juyi · Tang dynasty

绿lǜ蚁yǐ新xīn醅pēi酒jiǔ

A freshly brewed wine, green foam upon it;

红hóng泥ní小xiǎo火huǒ炉lú

A little stove of red clay.

晚wǎn来lái天tiān欲yù雪xuě

Toward evening snow may come:

能néng饮yǐn一yì杯bēi无wú

Would you join me for a cup?

What the poem means

With a warm little stove and snow expected at dusk, the poet invites a friend to visit. Share the warmth of welcoming someone; use water in children's pretend play, never alcohol.

Meet the poet

Bai Juyi was a Tang poet whose clear language often explores everyday life and human feeling.

Bai Juyi · More poems →