Miscellaneous Poems IV
- Poetry of Tao Yuanming
A lofty man should benefit four seas,
But I’d enjoy till old a life of ease.
I’d have my kinsmen under the same roof,
And all my children safe and sound, harm-proof.
I croon and play my lute morning or night;
My wine cup never dried affords delight.
Freely I’d drink my fill with loose belt ties;
Early I’d go to bed and late to rise.
Can I be like those who would climb up higher,
Worried for gain and loss like ice and fire?
All will be buried in the grave in time.
Why should we care for glory, though sublime!
Miscellaneous Poems IV was composed around 414 AD when Tao Yuanming was approximately fifty years old. The poet reflects on his youthful aspirations to achieve greatness across the land, now finding himself in twilight years with unfulfilled ambitions, inevitably giving rise to profound reflections. During his rural retreat, while enjoying family reunions and tranquil simplicity, he simultaneously grieves over time's swift passage and unrealized dreams. This poem represents a soliloquy born from such complex emotions.
丈夫志四海，我愿不知老。
亲戚共一处，子孙还相保。
觞弦肆朝日，樽中酒不燥。
缓带尽欢娱，起晚眠常早。
孰若当世时，冰炭满怀抱。
百年归丘垄，用此空名道！
- Why Chinese poems is so special?
- The most distinctive features of Chinese poetry are: concision- many poems are only four lines, and few are much longer than eight; ambiguity- number, tense and parts of speech are often undetermined, creating particularly rich interpretative possibilities; and structure- most poems follow quite strict formal patterns which have beauty in themselves as well as highlighting meaningful contrasts.
- How to read a Chinese poem?
- Like an English poem, but more so. Everything is there for a reason, so try to find that reason. Think about all the possible connotations, and be aware of the different possibilities of number and tense. Look for contrasts: within lines, between the lines of each couplet and between successive couplets. Above all, don't worry about what the poet meant- find your meaning.
- Miscellaneous Poems IV
- Miscellaneous Poems V
- Miscellaneous Poems VI
- Miscellaneous Poems VII
- Miscellaneous Poems VIII
- A Poor Scholar I
- Reading The Book of Mountains and Seas I
- An Elegy for Myself I
- Pale Yellow Willow: Lodging West of Red-Rail Bridge, Hefei
- Charm of a Maiden Singer: A Boat Amidst Blushing Blooms