River Snow

A thousand mountains without bird flights, ten thousand paths without human traces. A solitary boat, an old man in straw cape and hat, fishing alone in the cold river snow.

From thousand peaks no bird takes flight, ten thousand paths show not a trace. A lone boat, cloaked old man in sight, fishing alone in the snow's embrace.

Liu Zongyuan wrote this masterpiece while in political exile, making it a profound meditation on isolation, resilience, and inner strength. The fisherman represents the poet himself—and by extension, anyone who maintains dignity and purpose despite adversity. The extreme minimalism of the imagery (reducing the entire world to snow, mountains, and one man) creates a powerful emotional impact. In Chinese literati tradition, the solitary fisherman became an archetype for the scholar who refuses to compromise his principles, choosing isolated integrity over worldly success. The poem's stark beauty and philosophical depth have made it one of the most celebrated works in Chinese literature.