Preparing me chicken and rice, old friend,
You entertain me at your farm.
We watch the green trees that circle your village
And the pale blue of outlying mountains.
We open your window over garden and field,
To talk mulberry and hemp with our cups in our hands.
...Wait till the Mountain Holiday --
I am coming again in chrysanthemum time.
-- Poem translator: Kiang Kanghu
故人具鸡黍，邀我至田家。
绿树村边合，青山郭外斜。
开轩面场圃，把酒话桑麻。
待到重阳日，还来就菊花。
Five-character-regular-verse
Lighthearted and free-spirited, Meng’s poem describes the peaceful lifestyle of a rural farming village. He crafts simple words to create the image of a serene setting. First, he writes about the friendly invitation from his friend, revealing their close ties of friendship through 雞黍 (a big feast). The poet proceeds to describe the surrounding scenery as he nears the home, with 綠樹 (green trees) and 青山 (blue-green mountains) encompassing the 村 (town); by referring to vast landscapes, Meng portrays the free air and mobility of the village. He hopes to visit his friend again to observe chrysanthemum flowers, further highlighting the relaxed nature of this poet and his friend. This poem is considered a masterpiece of Tang dynasty pastoral poetry.
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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