Though we missed our spring city drinking date,
I've written texts but poems must wait.
Chanting Chu's shore with orchids in full bloom,
I'd gather triple-gems from Shang's cliff gloom.
Wild cranes need wider cages to be free,
Mountain monks' meals need special cookery.
Just cure Shen Yue's dim eyes to make them clear,
Then river flowers will branch without fear.
虽失春城醉上期，下帷裁遍未裁诗。
因吟郢岸百亩蕙，欲采商崖三秀芝。
栖野鹤笼宽使织，施山僧饭别教炊。
但医沈约重瞳健，不怕江花不满枝。
This poem was written by Lu Guimeng in response to his friend Pi Rixiu (courtesy name Pimei). Confined at home due to illness, Pi was unable to join Lu for a spring literary gathering and instead sent a poem expressing his regrets. Lu and Pi shared a deep friendship, often exchanging poems, and were known together as "Pi-Lu." Under the guise of a poetic reply, this work conveys both concern and encouragement for the ailing friend, reflecting their shared ideals and profound bond amid adversity. It expresses regret over missing spring’s joys but also embodies a recluse’s resilience and broad-mindedness.
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.
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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