Wei Yingwu c.737-791

Poet of the Tang dynasty. A native of the capital Chang'an, Wei served as an imperial guard in his youth and held several posts in the capital despite the fact that he never sat for any degree. His poetry is frequently associated with that of earlier "nature poets"; influences included Tao Qian and Xie Lingyun. Wei excelled in the composition of pentasyllabic ancient-style verse, which is celebrated for its direct and yet dignified style. He could also write a poetry that reflected the social realities of his day; his gexing style poems [songs and ballads] include realistic depictions of the economic and social upheaval consequent to the An Lushan Rebellion.

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