Thinking of Li Bai at the End of the Sky
- Poetry of Du Fu

《天末怀李白》

English Rendering

Cold wind rises at the end of the sky,

What thoughts occupy the gentleman's mind?

What time will the wild goose come?

The rivers and lakes are full of autumn's waters.

Literature and worldly success are opposed,

Demons exult in human failure.

Talk together with the hated poet,

Throw a poem into Miluo river.

Thinking of Li Bai at the End of the Sky by Du Fu
Thinking of Li Bai at the End of the Sky by Du Fu

Original Text (中文原文)

凉风起天末,君子意如何?

鸿雁几时到?江湖秋水多。

文章憎命达,魑魅喜人过。

应共冤魂语,投诗赠汨罗。

Analysis & Context

This poem dates from 759.

The wild goose is a symbol of autumn, letters and travellers in difficulties; Hawkes suggests that the latter is the relevant association here.

Reader's Companion

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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