Ren Dali: public information is limited. At present, only one collection of his poetic works is known, Selected Poems of Ren Dali: Collection of Autumn Maple, commonly classified under classical poetry. Judging from the title and the form of the collection, his writing centers on traditional poetry, using images such as the autumn maple to express his feelings and thoughts. His subjects are mostly drawn from natural scenery and everyday reflections, and his language tends toward concision and restraint, with attention to meter and the creation of mood, showing an aesthetic orientation characteristic of classical poetry. Because background information such as his life, native place, and period of writing cannot be verified, it is difficult to give a more detailed account of his creative career and circle of associates; readers can understand his writing only through this single anthology. The collection also offers a reference sample of contemporary traditional poetry and is suitable for readers interested in old-style verse.
