Gushi (traditional Chinese: 古詩; simplified Chinese: 古诗; pinyin: gǔshī; Wade–Giles: ku-shih) is a major type of poetry in Classical Chinese poetry. The term means "old poetry" or "old style poetry." It is a specific term used to describe certain poems that were important examples in history and later poems written in the same style.

Poetic form

The standard style uses lines with the same number of syllables, usually 5 or 7. Lines are often written in pairs that share a similar structure. Repeating similar phrases or ideas to show opposites or similarities is common but not required. Rhymes typically appear at the end of each pair of lines, and the rhyming sound may change as the poem progresses. A pause, called a caesura, often happens before the last three syllables in a line. In seven-syllable lines, a smaller pause may also appear between the first two groups of syllables. The final three syllables in a line can vary based on how the words connect, creating more variety and interest in the poem.

History

Gushi poems first appeared as a type of poetry around the second century CE. Later, during the Tang dynasty, this form of poetry became popular again, leading to a time when it thrived.

The Gushi style became well-known with a collection called the Nineteen Old Poems, which are believed to have been written during the Han dynasty, around the same time period. These poems are usually written in rhymed verse with five characters per line and do not follow strict rules.

During the Tang dynasty, the Gushi style was revived. A famous poet from this time, Li Bai, was known for skillfully using this style. At this time, a new type of poetry called regulated verse (jintishi) developed. This new style had strict rules about length, structure, and sound patterns. In contrast, Gushi poetry was more flexible. It often broke these rules, such as by using unusual rhyme patterns or avoiding matching word structures.