Miscellaneous Poems V
- Poetry of Tao Yuanming
I still remember in my prime
I could be happy in sad time.
Over the four seas I aimed high;
Spreading my wing I dreamed to fly.
But youthful days passed and grew old,
My zeal for life as soon turned cold.
Delightful things were not enjoyed;
Worries and cares often annoyed.
I feel my youthful strength no more,
Each day not as the day before.
Time like a stream will pass away;
And leads me on without delay.
How far ahead should I still float?
I know not where to moor my boat.
The ancients had no time to waste.
How can late-comers make no haste?
Miscellaneous Poems V was composed around 414 AD as Tao Yuanming's introspective reflection on his life's aspirations and evolving mindset in later years. Though having retreated from worldly turmoil to rural seclusion, the poet frequently contemplated his unfulfilled ambitions and life's fleeting years. Through contrasting youthful vigor with aged circumstances, the poem reveals profound insights into time's passage and life's impermanence, reflecting intermittent anxieties and striving spirit within his generally naturalistic philosophy.
忆我少壮时，无乐自欣豫。
猛志逸四海，骞翮思远翥。
荏苒岁月颓，此心稍已去。
值欢无复娱，每每多忧虑。
气力渐衰损，转觉日不如。
壑舟无须臾，引我不得住。
前涂当几许，未知止泊处。
古人惜寸阴，念此使人惧。
- 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.