My comments on "Ching Ping Tao", by Li Bai. This is a miniature masterpiece. Each pair of lines evokes memories and images which all contribute creatively to the overall effect of the poem. You can imagine the man seeing reminders of his beautiful lover everywhere he looks in nature. He misses her. He looks for her everywhere, on the bridge, on the mountain, and on the terrace. She is associated with the bright shining of dew drops, snowy peaks and moonlight on precious stone. He has idealised her because he yearns to see her again. Merv Daw Other comments: There were three "Ching Ping Tiao" composed by Li Bai. These three poems talked about 'yang gui fei' (the wife of the king). I like this one (the first one) the most. The poetic quality is the strongest. Susie Hui. This poem praises the beauty of the imperial concubine Yeung Yuk Wan. In this poem, Li Bai uses many pretty images to compare with Yeung, such as flowers, and winds of spring. All need to treasure this woman, because she is like the fairy who lives in the sky but she comes to the world. Thus Li Bai says if we want to see her, we need to go to the jewelled mountain top, or on the moonlit jasper terrace, where only the fairy can go. Li Bai uses many beautiful words to show how pretty the woman is, so this poem seems very brilliant. I like this poem very much. Tracy Chiu The poem is presented below: |
"Ching Ping Tiao" by Li Bai Clouds bring back to mind her dress, the flowers her face. Winds of spring caress the rail where sparkling dew drops cluster. If you cannot see her by the jewelled mountain top, maybe on the moonlit jasper terrace you will meet her. Adapted from a translation by D. Mackintosh |
| Window on Chinese Poetry |
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