Tag: translation

Li Shangyin reads Amanda Gorman’s poem The Hill We Climb
Politics

Li Shangyin reads Amanda Gorman’s poem The Hill We Climb

Mark Obama Ndesandjo2 Comments

Li Shangyin was taken aback on first reading my translation of The Hill We Climb. “Your structure is completely off!’ he protested, “There are rules!” He was referring to the traditional 7 character per line poetry that is prevalent in classical Chinese poetry. “Your rules are too complex,” I protested. “We live in a different…… Continue reading Li Shangyin reads Amanda Gorman’s poem The Hill We Climb

24 Verses Lamenting The Fate Of Consul Xiao Of Suizhou
Politics

24 Verses Lamenting The Fate Of Consul Xiao Of Suizhou

Mark Obama NdesandjoLeave a comment

Authors note: To my knowledge this is the first translation into English of Li Shangyin’s great poem. When he wrote it, he had not yet passed the imperial examination. In it he laments the banishment of his friend and mentor Xiao Huan to Suizhou in distant Sichuan province. Enjoy! 遥作时多难，yáo zuò shí duō nán， 先令祸有源。xiān lìng huò yǒu yuán。 初惊逐客议，chū jīng zhú kè yì， 旋骇党人冤。xuán hài  dǎng…… Continue reading 24 Verses Lamenting The Fate Of Consul Xiao Of Suizhou