Miscellaneous Poems VI
- Poetry of Tao Yuanming

《杂诗 · 其六》

English Translation

When elders talked of bygone years,

Displeased, I would shut up my ears.

But fifty years have gone by now,

And time writes wrinkles on my brow.

I would recall youthful delight,

But I can find no pleasure slight.

Far, far away are bygone days.

Could I relive in olden ways?

To drink my fill I'd spare no gold;

I would keep pace with days grown old.

I'd leave no money for my sons;

There's no need if they're worthy ones.

Miscellaneous Poems VI was composed around 414 AD when Tao Yuanming was over fifty years old, reflecting deeply on life's impermanence and fleeting time during his rural seclusion. Having once dismissed elders' advice in his youth, the poet now personally understands the painful truth of "time never returning" through life's hardships. While lamenting time's relentless march, the poem blends philosophical detachment with liberation - containing both nostalgic regret and carefree attitudes of "seizing joy" and "leaving nothing behind" - demonstrating Tao's enlightened perspective on life's value in his later years.

中文原文( Chinese )

昔闻长者言，掩耳每不喜。

奈何五十年，忽已亲此事。

求我盛年欢，一毫无复意。

去去转欲速，此生岂再值!

倾家持作乐，竟此岁月驶。

有子不留金，何用身后置!

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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 VI - Poetry of Tao Yuanming

Miscellaneous Poems VI
- Poetry of Tao Yuanming