Visiting the Temple of Golden Hill
- Poetry of Su Shi

《游金山寺》

English Rendering

My native town lies where the River takes its source, As official I go downstream to the seaside.

Tis said white-crested waves rise ten feet high at full tide, On this cold day the sand bears traces of their force.

There stands a massive boulder south of Central Fountain, Emerging or submerged as the tides fall or rise.

I climb atop to see where my native town lies, But find by riverside green mountain on green mountain.

Home-sick,I will go back by boat lest I be late, But the monk begs me to stay and view the setting sun.

The breeze ripples the water and fine webs are spun; Rosy clouds in mid-air like fish-tails undulate.

Then the moon on the river sheds her new-born light, By second watch she sinks into the darkened skies. 

From the heart of the river a torch seems to rise, Its flames light up the mountains and the crows take flight.

Bewildered,I come back and go to bed, lost in thought: It's not a work of man or ghost. Then what is it?

It must be the River God's warning for me to quit And go to my home-town, which I can't set at nought.

Thanking the God,I say I'm reluctant to stay, If I won't go home, like these waves I' ll pass away!

Visiting the Temple of Golden Hill by Su Shi
Visiting the Temple of Golden Hill by Su Shi

Original Text (中文原文)

我家江水初发源,宦游直送江人海。

闻道潮头一丈高,天寒尚有沙痕在。

中冷南畔石盘陀,古来出没随涛波。

试登绝顶望乡国,江南江北青山多。

羁愁畏晚寻归楫,山僧苦留看落日。

微风万顷靴文细,断霞半空鱼尾赤。

是时江月初生魄,二更月落天深黑。

江心似有炬火明,飞焰照山栖乌惊。

怅然归卧心莫识,非鬼非人竟何物。

江山如此不归山,江神见怪警我顽。

我谢江神岂得已,有田不归如江水!

Analysis & Context

1070

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