How gladly I would seek a mountain
If I had enough means to live as a recluse!
For I turn at last from serving the State
To the Eastern Woods Temple and to you, my master.
...Like ashes of gold in a cinnamon-flame,
My youthful desires have been burnt with the years-
And tonight in the chilling sunset-wind
A cicada, singing, weighs on my heart.
一丘常欲卧，三径苦无资。
北土非吾愿，东林怀我师。
黄金然桂尽，壮志逐年衰。
日夕凉风至，闻蝉但益悲。
一丘嘗欲臥， 三徑苦無資。
北土非吾願， 東林懷我師。
黃金燃桂盡， 壯志逐年衰。
日夕涼風至， 聞蟬但益悲。
Five-character-regular-verse
This poem by Meng Haoran expresses his dejection after official career setbacks and yearning for reclusive life, while acknowledging his inability to fully detach from worldly concerns. Written with plain language and candid emotion, it stands as a moving lyrical confession.
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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