Miscellaneous Poems VIII
- Poetry of Tao Yuanming
I do not hope to earn good wages;
To do farm work is all my due.
My folks have tilled the field for ages;
Hunger and cold are nothing new.
I never ask more than enough,
Satisfied with chaff and plain food,
Clad in winter clothes of poor stuff
And in summer garment not so good.
I cannot meet my humble need.
How sad to say with broken heart!
Others may thrive in word or deed,
I can't earn a living apart.
What can I do and how can I
Drown my grief but drink my cup dry!
Miscellaneous Poems VIII was composed around 414 AD during Tao Yuanming's impoverished life after resigning from officialdom. Though having resolutely returned to farming, he suffered perennial hunger and destitution. Facing such hardships, he remained steadfast in his convictions, using poetry to express his rejection of official career and commitment to personal freedom. While vividly depicting poverty, the poem maintains an unyielding dignity, permeated with stubborn optimism that refuses to succumb to fate.
代耕本非望，所业在田桑。
躬耕未曾替，寒馁常糟糠。
岂期过满腹，但愿饱粳粮。
御冬足大布，粗絺以应阳。
正尔不能得，哀哉亦可伤!
人皆尽获宜，拙生失其方。
理也可奈何，且为陶一觞。
- 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 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
- Hidden Fragrance: Moonlight of Bygone Days
- Early Summer: Seeking Yu Creek After Rain
- Midnight Vigil in West Garden
- Villager's Song I