Original poem:
People in the world have different descriptions of flowers and leaves. They plant flowers in beautiful golden pots, but regardless of the flowers and leaves, they fall into the soil and become dust.
Only the lotus flower is matched with red flowers and green leaves. The lotus leaf has a roll of Shu, and the lotus flower has a bloom, which is so perfect and natural.
Lotus and lotus leaf shine on each other for a long time. When the lotus leaf falls, it withers. What a pity!
Translation:
People in the world have different views on flowers and leaves. They planted flowers in beautiful golden pots, but left them in the soil and turned them into dust. Only lotus flowers with red flowers and green leaves, lotus leaves curl and relax, and lotus flowers open and close, which is so perfect and natural. Lotus and lotus leaf have set each other off for a long time. What a pity it is when the lotus leaves fall and wither.
Source: Li Shangyin's "Giving Lotus" in Tang Dynasty
Poetry appreciation
Li Shangyin was frustrated all his life and only worked as a few small officials. The main reason is not that he has no talent, but that he has no confidant recommendation. He lives between Niu and Li, without trust and support, and is laughed at and excluded. This poem praises the rise and fall of the lotus, but actually expresses its desire for bosom friends and political support.
The language of this poem is simple, the meaning is obvious, the expression is straightforward, and the rhythm is bright, which is different from many poems by Li Shangyin, and reflects the diversity of his poetic style.