In ancient China, where medical knowledge was limited, hardship, aging, and death remained constant themes—yet poets faced these inevitabilities with strikingly different spirits, often reflected in their poems. 江汉 The Jiang and Han Rivers 作者：杜甫 （Author: Du Fu, 8th century) 江 汉 思 归 客 Jiang Han feel return guest 乾 坤 一 腐 儒。heaven earth one pedantic scholar 片 云 天 共 远 piece cloud sky together distant 永 夜 月 同 孤。long night moon together alone 落 日 心 犹 壮 fall sun heart still strong 秋 风 病 欲 苏。autumn wind illness will revive 古 来 存 老 马 old come keep old horse 不 必 取 长 途 not need use long trip
so surprised to see someone posting a Li He poem! I think he knew he wouldn't live long, so many of his poems so full of ghosts and spirits. Du Fu's ability to always think of his country-people even when going through extraordinary hardship is still so touching even today.
Li He's poems are not as widely translated as those of other, more prominent Tang dynasty poets. We thought it would be a good idea to do a translation of one of his works. His personal experiences were likely frustrating enough, and I agree that he probably knew he wouldn't live long. Many of his poems are deeply melancholic, often focusing on themes of ghosts and spirits. Du Fu was a very traditional Confucian scholar, and I agree that his love for his fellow countrymen—especially those of lower social status and marginalized populations—is truly touching.
so surprised to see someone posting a Li He poem! I think he knew he wouldn't live long, so many of his poems so full of ghosts and spirits. Du Fu's ability to always think of his country-people even when going through extraordinary hardship is still so touching even today.
Thank you! I'm glad you like it.
Li He's poems are not as widely translated as those of other, more prominent Tang dynasty poets. We thought it would be a good idea to do a translation of one of his works. His personal experiences were likely frustrating enough, and I agree that he probably knew he wouldn't live long. Many of his poems are deeply melancholic, often focusing on themes of ghosts and spirits. Du Fu was a very traditional Confucian scholar, and I agree that his love for his fellow countrymen—especially those of lower social status and marginalized populations—is truly touching.
Beautiful, love me some DuFu.