梅(méi)花(huā)

王(wánɡ)安(ān)石(shí)〔宋(sònɡ)代(dài)〕

墙(qiánɡ)角(jiǎo)数(shù)枝(zhī)梅(méi)，

凌(línɡ)寒(hán)独(dú)自(zì)开(kāi)。

遥(yáo)知(zhī)不(bù)是(shì)雪(xuě)，

为(wéi)有(yǒu)暗(àn)香(xiānɡ)来(lái)。

Explanation of Ancient Chinese Poetry

In the corner of the wall, a few branches of plum blossoms are blooming alone in the severe cold. From afar, I know that the white plum blossoms are not snow, because their fragrance is wafting over.

Annotations

  •  凌寒 (Línghán): To brave the cold.
  •  遥 (Yáo): Far away. 知 (Zhī): To know.
  •  为 (Wèi): Because.
  •  暗香 (ànxiāng): The faint fragrance of plum blossoms.

Creation Backgrounds

In the spring of the seventh year of Emperor Song Shenzong’s Xining reign (1074), Wang Anshi was dismissed from his position as prime minister. In the second month of the following year, Wang Anshi was reappointed as prime minister.

In the ninth year of Xining (1076), after being dismissed again, Wang Anshi felt disheartened and abandoned the reforms, retreating to Zhongshan. At this time, the poet shared a common ground with the plum blossoms that withstand snow and frost, prompting him to write this poem.