Composed in the Rainy Compound at the Beginning of Autumn
- Poetry of Du Fu

《立秋雨院中有作》

English Rendering

Mountain clouds move over this remote frontier,

Antares once again flows to the west.

Driving rain stirs the splendid roof,

whistling in the wind, beams and rafters turn autumn.

At road’s end, a debt of gratitude to my true friend,

in twilight years I borrow the chopsticks before me.

I have wasted my time paying my respects on clear mornings,

how can I perfect plans for my superior?

I untie my robes and open the north door,

my relaxed pillow faces the southern tower.

The trees are wet, the wind’s cool comes in,

the river is noisy, vapors float on the water.

His relaxing courtesies feel agreeable to my heart,

the season is brisk, my illness a little better.

When the Commander returns to season the cauldron,

I will again visit my former hills.

Composed in the Rainy Compound at the Beginning of Autumn by Du Fu
Composed in the Rainy Compound at the Beginning of Autumn by Du Fu

Original Text (中文原文)

山云行绝塞,大火复西流。

飞雨动华屋,萧萧梁栋秋。

穷途愧知己,暮齿借前筹。

已费清晨谒,那成长者谋。

解衣开北户,高枕对南楼。

树湿风凉进,江喧水气浮。

礼宽心有适,节爽病微瘳。

主将归调鼎,吾还访旧丘。

Analysis & Context

By Du Fu

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The Essence of the Verse

Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.

Reading Between the Lines

Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.

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