Wang An-shih (1021–1086) was from Fuchou in Kiangsi province and became one of the most famous prime ministers in Chinese history. His financial policies, however, resulted in a profound split among government officials and also in Wang’s retirement to the hills east of Nanching. He wrote this poem in the spring of 1069, the year before he became prime minister. Spring marks the beginning of the agricultural calendar, and the reforms he was hoping to implement were primarily aimed at helping farmers. Hence, Wang has stayed up all night anticipating the new year. But the only flowers he sees are the shadow flowers on the railing outside his window. Sticks of incense and devices that dripped water were used to keep time during the night. The last three lines paraphrase lines in poems by Han Wo (844–923), Lo Yin (833–909), and Yao Ho (fl. 831).
WANG AN-SHIH
The burner is out of incense the dripping has almost stopped
the wind comes in gusts the cold in waves
springtime disturbs me and keeps me from sleep
the moon casts shadow flowers on the balustrade