768–824
Han Yu
韓愈
Discover Han Yu's short seasonal poems through almost invisible grass, impatient snow, competing flowers, and invitations to leave work for a spring outing.
The selection here concentrates on Han Yu’s short seasonal poems. It offers an approachable path into one part of his work, without suggesting that six quatrains represent the whole range of his poetry and prose. Their speakers argue, tease, observe, and invite.
Spring before it is obvious
Early Spring, Presented to Zhang Eighteen, I notices grass that appears green from far away but almost disappears close up. The changing distance is essential to the observation. This slight beginning is then valued above the fuller spring that will follow.
The second poem addresses the friend more directly. Official busyness and age should not end the wish to enjoy spring; the friend is asked to go and see how far the willow color has advanced. Read both complete poems to hear observation become a social invitation.
Plants with intentions
Late Spring gives flowers urgency and competitive talent. Its apparently untalented catkins and elm seeds nevertheless fill the sky with a spectacular display. Spring Snow makes snow impatient with the slow season and lets it supply flying flowers of its own. The personification creates a joke through a visible likeness.
Beauty needs attention
Pomegranate Blossoms at Zhang’s Lodging notices both vivid flowers and the absence of visitors. The falling petals receive attention from the poem itself. A Spring Outing at Qujiang uses the beauty of an actual outing to put friendly pressure on an absent companion.
These are poems in which looking and companionship often support one another. Follow them toward the nature shelf for other seasonal judgments. The dates and courtesy name above follow the Wikisource author record, which also links his collections and traditional biographies.
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