Bamboo by the Window

Bamboo by the Window

by Wang Anshi

Bamboo and a clutch of amaranth by the window

River outside the door, and mountains athwart.

I alone recall the trail all along the wall

From the sandal prints left on the moss of old.

Statesman and literary stylist, Wang Anshi (1021-1086) earned repute for spearheading controversial reforms, as 11th century China suffered from stagnant economy and unchecked government expenditure. Made prime minster in 1069, Wang began to champion his new reforms, but met with furious opposition so he had to resign in 1076, conceding power to more conservative political rivals, who overturned all his changes within a decade.