Yán Shīcí (严诗词) was one of the most prominent poets during the late Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). He was known for his unique writing style and his deep understanding of human nature. Many of his poems are still popular today and considered as masterpieces of Chinese poetry.
Yán Shīcí was born in 丹阳 (Dānyáng) in 721 AD. He was the son of a government official and received a good education from a young age. Yan excelled in literature and was known for his ability to write excellent poetry. In 746 AD, Yan's father was accused of corruption and was executed. This event had a significant impact on Yan's life and influenced many of his later poems.
After his father's death, Yan moved to the capital city of Chang'an (长安), where he pursued a career as a government official. However, he was not content with the political system and often expressed his dissatisfaction through his poems.
Yan's poetry is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, which is quite different from the elaborate style of poetry during the Tang Dynasty. He often wrote about the joys and sorrows of ordinary people, as well as the beauty of nature.
One of Yan's most famous poems is "临江仙·滁州送范倅序" (Lín jiāng xiān · Chúzhōu sòng fàn jǔ xù), which is a tribute to his friend Fan Zhongyan (范仲淹), a prominent politician during the Song Dynasty. The poem describes the beautiful scenery of Chuzhou (滁州) and how Yan felt after bidding farewell to his friend.
Yan Shici's poems had a significant influence on Chinese poetry and literature. Yan's style of writing helped to shape the language used in Chinese literature, and his emphasis on emotional expression paved the way for the development of romantic poetry.
Yan's poetry has been widely anthologized and translated into many languages. His legacy continues to inspire many poets and writers today, and his impact on Chinese literature cannot be overstated.
Yan Shici was a great poet and one of the most significant literary figures during the Tang dynasty. His unique writing style and themes made him an important influence on Chinese poetry. Yan's poems continue to be celebrated, and his work remains an important part of Chinese literary history.
