咏鹅
yǒng é
Ode to the Goose
骆宾王 (Luo Binwang) · Tang Dynasty · 619–687
Original Text
鹅，鹅，鹅，
é, é, é,
曲项向天歌。
qū xiàng xiàng tiān gē.
白毛浮绿水，
bái máo fú lǜ shuǐ,
红掌拨清波。
hóng zhǎng bō qīng bō.
English Translation
Goose, goose, goose — you bend your neck and sing toward the sky. White feathers float on green water; red feet paddle the clear waves.
Historical Background
Legend has it that Luo Binwang composed this poem at the age of seven when an elder asked him to write about geese. It is typically the very first poem taught to Chinese children, beloved for its vivid colors, playful repetition, and childlike wonder. The poem dates to approximately 626 AD.
Literary Analysis
The opening triple repetition of "goose" mimics a child's excitement. The poem then builds a vivid color palette: white feathers, green water, red feet, clear waves. Each detail is precise and sensory. Despite its simplicity, the poem demonstrates sophisticated technique — the contrast of colors and the dynamic verbs (float, paddle) bring the scene to life.
Details
Form
Ancient Verse (古体诗)
Theme
Nature & Landscape
About Luo Binwang (骆宾王)
Luo Binwang was one of the "Four Great Poets of the Early Tang" (初唐四杰). He is said to have written "Ode to the Goose" at just seven years old, making it one of the most famous child-authored poems in Chinese history. He later became known for political writing and died in the aftermath of a failed rebellion.
Traditional Chinese
鵝，鵝，鵝，曲項向天歌。白毛浮綠水，紅掌撥清波。