There are these seven-character poems:
1. Peach Blossoms in Dalin Temple
Bai Juyi [Tang Dynasty]
The beauty of April in the world is exhausted, and the peach blossoms in the mountain temple begins to bloom.
Eternal regret has no place to return to in spring, and I don’t know where to turn.
Translation
April is when all the flowers on the plains have withered away, while the peach blossoms in the ancient temples on the mountains have just begun to bloom.
I often regret that the spring has passed away and I can’t find it anywhere, but I don’t know that it has moved here.
2. Peach Blossoms in Qingquan Temple
Xie Fangde [Song Dynasty]
Finding a peach garden to avoid the Qin Dynasty, it is another spring for peach blossoms.
Don’t send flowers flying with the flowing water, for fear that fishermen will come to ask about it.
Translation
The people of Taoyuan in those days found the Peach Blossom Spring to escape the troubled times of the late Qin Dynasty. Every time they saw the peach blossoms blooming, they knew that the new year had arrived.
If I were there, I would not let the peach blossom petals flow out with the water, for fear that another fisherman would find the entrance and come in!
3. Late Peach Blossom
Bai Juyi [Tang Dynasty]
A red peach tree blooms late in the pond, and the bamboo shades the pine trees.
If it were not for the slanting sun, it would be impossible to see it, and no idler would know it.
In cold places, talents are born and schools change, and daughters from poor families often marry late.
Who will take pity on the spring when it is about to fall? Bai Shilang came to break a branch.
Translation
A peach tree is in full bloom, with flower branches hanging diagonally on the water. Because it is shaded by lush pines and bamboos, it blooms later.
If it weren’t for the slanting sunset penetrating into the forest, I wouldn’t be able to see it, but only a leisurely person like me who likes to explore secluded places would come here to find out.
It is a pity that this peach blossom is not grown in the right place. Just like talents born in poor families are easily ignored, daughters from poor families always have to get married later than ordinary people.
It is a pity that this peach blossom is about to wither in this spring and has not enjoyed the spring scenery and the appreciation of tourists. Today, by chance, I found it, so I broke off a branch and went back to enjoy it.
4. Inscribed on the Peach Blossom with Shuttered Leaves
Han Yu [Tang Dynasty]
The double peach blossoms with blind leaves become more red in the evening, and when you look through the window, you can see the exquisite bamboos.
It should be known that Shi Shi has returned to heaven, so he is imprisoned with the immortal man.
Translation
A pair of continuous peach blossoms on a branch of Baiye peach bloom redder in the evening. They peek out of the window and reflect the green bamboo, appearing more delicate and exquisite.
Shang Shu entered the palace surrounded by his attendants, and only Baiye Shuangtao accompanied me, the official, to stay in this official residence.
5. Peach Blossoms
Zhou Pu [Tang Dynasty]
Peach blossoms bloom first in the warm spring, and they are bright and beautiful.
Unfortunately, after the strong wind blew, the bright red patches were stained with berry moss.
Translation
Peach blossoms bloom before other flowers in the warmer spring. Who can resist looking at those bright and beautiful colors?
Unfortunately, after the strong wind of early spring blew by, the beautiful petals only turned into blood-red patches dotted on the moss.