七言律诗 Seven-Characters Poem
七言律诗， 共八句， 每句七个字。 第三及四句，第五及六句要对仗，押韵上要求是一、三、五句不论，二、四、六句分明，分明即必须押韵。
七言律诗 (Qi Yan Lu Shi), also known as the “Seven-Characters Poem”, is a calligraphy style that consists of eight lines, each with seven characters. The third and fourth lines, as well as the fifth and sixth lines, are required to be parallel in structure (matching in sense and sound, often contrasting). In terms of rhyming, the first, third, and fifth lines do not have any specific requirements, while the second, fourth, and sixth lines must have clear (distinct and apparent) rhyming patterns.
Further below are some examples calligraphed by Su Demao.
Do take note that in Chinese Calligraphy, words are read from right to left.
一片花飞减却春,
风飘万点正愁人。
且看欲尽花经眼，
莫厌伤多酒入唇。
江上小堂巢翡翠，
花边高冢卧麒麟。
细推物理须行乐，
何用浮名绊此身。
杜甫曲江二首之一
The falling of a flower petal in the wind can make one feel that spring has diminished,
and now with the wind blowing down thousands of flowers, how can one not feel sad?
But let us appreciate the fading spring scenery, and not be afraid to drink too much and add to our sorrows.
The kingfisher bird builds its nest on the towers by the Qujiang River, and the stone qilin, which used to stand tall, now lies toppled on the ground.
If we carefully consider the nature of things, we will know that it is important to enjoy life while we can, and not let worldly fame and fortune bind us.
Du Fu, “A Piece of Blossom”
昔人已乘黄鹤去，
此地空余黄鹤楼。
黄鹤一去不复返，
白云千载空悠悠。
晴川历历汉阳树，
芳草萋萋鹦鹉洲。
日暮乡关何处是？
烟波江上使人愁。
崔颢 黄鹤楼
The immortal of the past has already flown away on a yellow crane,
leaving only the empty Yellow Crane Tower.
The yellow crane has gone and never returned,
for thousands of years, only white clouds can be seen drifting in the sky.
The trees of Hanyang are clearly visible in the sunshine,
and the lush grass on Parrot Island can be seen even more clearly.
As dusk sets in, where is my hometown?
The misty smoke on the river surface only adds to my melancholy.
Cui Hao, “Yellow Crane Tower”
昨夜星辰昨夜风，
画楼西畔桂堂东。
身无彩凤双飞翼，
心有灵犀一点通。
隔座送钩春酒暖，
分曹射覆蜡灯红。
嗟余听鼓应官去，
走马兰台类转蓬。
李商隐 无题
Last night, the stars were shining brightly, but in the middle of the night, a cool breeze blew.
We had our feast set up on the west side of the painting tower and the east side of the osmanthus hall.
Though we didn't have the wings of a colorful phoenix to fly together,
you and I were like kindred spirits, with our emotions in sync.
We played guessing games and joked around, drinking spring wine across from each other to warm our hearts.
We split into groups and played drinking games, with the candlelight casting a red glow as we competed to win.
We heard the morning drum at the fifth watch, indicating that it was time to go to court.
We rode our horses to the Orchid Terrace, like tumbleweeds blowing in the wind.
Li Shangyin, “Untitled”
凤凰台上凤凰游，
凤去台空江自流。
吴宫花草埋幽径，
晋代衣冠成古丘。
三山半落青天外，
二水中分白鹭洲。
总为浮云能蔽日，
长安不见使人愁。
李白 登金陵凤凰台
A phoenix once graced the platform with grace,
Now empty, only the river flows in its place.
In Wu's palace, flowers and grass cover once tranquil paths in JIn dynasty,
Jin dynasty's renowned clothing tombs, now ancient hills.
Three mountains shrouded in clouds and mist, A scene extended beyond the blue sky,
Bai Lu islet splits the river into two,
The sun's brilliance was obscured by drafting clouds,
A heart heavy with sorrow, unable to return to ChangAn.
Libai, “Ascending the Phoenix Terrace in Jinling"
