Poetry Index
Complete collection of poems, songs, verdicts, and riddles from Dream of the Red Chamber.
Poetry Index
Chrysanthemum Poems: Painting Chrysanthemums
诗After poems, a playful brush—not knowing it runs wild; Is this really painting that costs such careful thought?
Chapter 38
Chrysanthemum Poems: Facing the Chrysanthemum
诗Transplanted from another garden, precious as gold— One cluster pale, one cluster deep.
Chapter 38
Chrysanthemum Poems: Offering Chrysanthemums
诗Playing zither, pouring wine—a fine companion to enjoy; On the desk, gracefully adorning the quiet scene.
Chapter 38
Before Burying Flowers: A Scene
其他Flowers fade and fly, filling the sky; Red gone, fragrance broken—who will take pity?
Chapter 27
Summer Night Impromptu: Jia Baoyu
诗The weary embroiderer's quiet dream stretches long; A golden-caged parrot calls for tea.
Chapter 23
Winter Night Impromptu: Jia Baoyu
诗Plum souls and bamboo dreams—already the third watch; Brocade blankets and phoenix quilts—sleep will not come.
Chapter 23
Willow Catkin Lyric: Baoyu
词Vainly hanging, thread after slender thread; Idly dangling, strand after trailing strand.
Chapter 70
Verse Inscribed on the Stone
偈语Unfit to mend the azure sky above, I spent long years in the red dust for naught.
Chapter 1
Chrysanthemum Poems: Chrysanthemum Shadow
诗Autumn light, layer upon layer, fold upon fold, Slipping stealthily through the three garden paths.
Chapter 38
Chrysanthemum Poems: Chrysanthemum Dream
诗By the fence, deep in autumn sleep, a single clear dream; With clouds and moon for company—nothing is distinct.
Chapter 38
Willow Catkin Lyric: Li Wan
词In the Han garden, scattered—limited; Along the Sui embankment, adorning—endless.
Chapter 70
Linked Verse at Reed Snow Cottage (Excerpt)
诗All night the north wind blew fiercely; Opening the door—snow still drifts.
Chapter 50
Five Beauties: Xi Shi
诗A generation's fairest beauty followed the waves; In the Wu palace, she could only dream of home.
Chapter 64
Five Beauties: Lady Yu
诗Heartbroken, the black stallion neighs in the night wind; Lady Yu faces the double-pupiled king with deep regret.
Chapter 64
Five Beauties: Wang Zhaojun
诗Stunning beauty startled all when she left the Han palace; A fair face and bitter fate—the same through all the ages.
Chapter 64
Five Beauties: Luzhu
诗Rubble and bright pearls—all cast away alike; When did Lord Shi truly value her loveliness?
Chapter 64
Five Beauties: Hongfu
诗With a sweeping bow and heroic talk—his manner was extraordinary; The beauty's keen eyes recognized the hero in his poverty.
Chapter 64
Baoyu's Lantern Riddle: The Mirror
灯谜Sitting facing south, holding court facing north. When the image grieves, it too grieves;
Chapter 22
Willow Catkin Lyric: Xichun
词Powder falls on Hundred-Flower Isle; Fragrance fades at the Swallow Tower.
Chapter 70
Yuanchun's Poem During Her Visit Home
诗Embracing mountains and waters—built with exquisite care; How much labor went into its construction!
Chapter 18