Painting
Wang Wei [Tang Dynasty]
Looking at the mountains from a distance, the mountains are colored, but the water is silent when up close.
Spring has gone, the flowers are still there, and the birds are not surprised when people come.
Interpretation:
Looking at the mountains from a distance, the colors are bright, but when you get close, you can’t hear the sound of water.
Spring has passed and the flowers are still blooming, but the birds are not disturbed when people approach them.
Extended information
This poem describes natural scenery, but it is a painting that is admired. The first two sentences describe the clear colors of the mountains and the silent flowing water; the second two sentences describe the flowers blooming in all seasons and the birds not afraid of people. Four lines of poetry constitute a complete picture of landscapes, flowers and birds.
The contrasts in the whole poem are neat, especially the use of multiple sets of antonyms in the poem, which makes the rhythm clear, distinct, full of charm, and catchy to read. When reading the whole poem, it seems that the lines violate the laws of nature. In fact, it is secretly setting up riddles and describing the characteristics of the painting.