Introduction to Poet: Li Shang Yin

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Li Shang Yin (813-858) 's advance in career was cut short because he was too honest and independent-minded to survive in the political struggle at the time. His poems were sensuous, dense and allusive, full of imaginative imagery. He was especially famous for his series of Untitled poems. Here's one of them:

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。

Last night's bright stars; last night's breeze; West of the painted tower, east of bay tree hall; No phoenix wings on my body, to fly away with you; But our thoughts link by the rhinestone's magic. Across tables we "passed the hook" with spring wines warm; Our teams played "guess what" under candle lamps bright. Pity I have to hear the dawn drum calling me to duty; And ride between lofty offices like a detached reed