Introduction

　　The peony is One of the most beautiful and admired flowers in China, especially during the early summer months when they are in full bloom. It has been a beloved flower for centuries, and it has inspired many poets to write verses that capture the essence of its beauty. One of the most famous series of poems about peonies is the "Jie Qian" or "The Behind-the-Stage Peony" by Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu. This article will explore some of the most memorable verses from this series of poems and delve into their meanings.

　　

1. "The Peonys Beauty"

　　"One branch lies large across my windows view, / Its color mist reflects on my bright cheeks. / Each spring I fear it coming late anew, / So many people now enjoy these treats."

　　These lines describe the beauty of peonies in a way that captures not only their visual appeal but also the emotions they inspire. The speaker is looking out at a single branch of peonies through his window, and he notes how the color seems to reflect onto his own cheeks. He also mentions his concern that the peonies might not bloom on time each year—indicating how eagerly he anticipates their arrival and how important they are to him. The final line suggests that many people share this appreciation for the flower, creating a sense of community around the admiration of peonies.

　　

2. "The Poet Longs for the Peony"

　　"Im almost fifty now, my beard turned white, / And yet I long for peonies still bright. / Why are they then so precious in our sight? / Ah, they remind us of our youth-time flight."

　　In this poem, the speaker reflects on the passage of time and how his appreciation for peonies has endured even as he has grown older. He wonders why the flower is so precious to him and realizes that its because it reminds him of his youth—the time when he first discovered the beauty of the peony and was dazzled by its loveliness. This poem captures the bittersweet quality of nostalgia, where we long for the past while acknowledging that its gone forever.

　　

3. "The Peonys Grandeur"

　　"As air flits by, their grandeur fills the space, / In mountains wild their waves of blossom race. / No sense can measure out such boundless grace, / Their fame extends beyond the moons bright face."

　　This poem conveys the sense of awe and admiration that peonies can inspire. The speaker notes how the flowers grandeur seems to fill the air around it and describes how the blossoms on the mountainside seem to create a wave of color that sweeps across the landscape. He declares that no words can fully express the boundless grace of the peony and that its fame extends even beyond the moon. This poem suggests that there is something almost otherworldly about the beauty of the peony, something that transcends usual standards of measurement or description.

　　

4. "The Peony as a Metaphor for Beauty"

　　"Like peonies, beauty fringed with faults will show, / And weather-stains may go most deep, aglow. / I ask you, how its dull leaves stroked by snow / Can be less dear than from a morning glow?"

　　In this poem, the speaker uses the peony as a metaphor to explore the complex nature of beauty. He notes how even flawed beauty can be celebrated, just as peonies with fringed petals still have a kind of charm. He also muses on how weathered beauty can have a depth and richness that surpasses newer, fresher beauty (represented by the morning glow). Overall, this poem suggests that beauty is not a simple concept but one that involves many layers of meaning and interpretation.

　　

Conclusion

　　The poems about peonies in "The Behind-the-Stage Peony" capture the flowers beauty and the emotions it inspires. Each poem offers a slightly different perspective on the flower, from its grandeur and awe-inspiring qualities to its complex, metaphorical associations with beauty and nostalgia. Ultimately, these poems remind us of the enduring fascination and admiration that the peony has inspired for centuries, as well as its status as one of Chinas most beloved flowers.