In Abbot Zan's Room at Dayun Temple: Four Poems (4)
- Poetry of Du Fu

The boy draws shining water from the well,

He nimbly lifts the bucket to his hand.

He sprinkles water without soaking the earth,

And sweeps so well as if no broom had passed.

The rosy dawn again lights the pagoda,

The clearing mist lifts from the higher windows.

Leaning blossoms cover over the path,

Dancing willow leaves reach down to the steps.

I'm driven by these troublesome affairs,

Retirement from the world must be put off.

We've met and talked, our deepest hearts agreeing,

How can our mouths be forced completely shut?

I say goodbye and fetch my riding crop,

Parting for now, I turn my head at the last.

There's so much mud that can defile a man,

Just listen to all the dogs throughout the land.

Although I cannot get free from this yoke,

I'll sometimes come to rest from all the bustle.

Your presence, Abbot, acts just like white snow,

How can I be upset to grasp what's hot?

童儿汲井华，惯捷瓶上手。

沾洒不濡地，扫除似无帚。

明霞烂复阁，霁雾搴高牖。

侧塞被径花，飘飖委墀柳。

艰难世事迫，隐遁佳期后。

晤语契深心，那能总箝口。

奉辞还杖策，暂别终回首。

泱泱泥污人，听听国多狗。

既未免羁绊，时来憩奔走。

近公如白雪，执热烦何有。