Thousand Poems

Author: Zhao Zugu
Annotations:
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-05-01
Features: A Random Composition on a Spring Day① Cheng Hao wrote, "The clouds are light and the wind is gentle near noon,② Passing by flowers and willows by the river."③ People of that time did not understand my joy,④ They would think I am idling away my time like a young man.⑤ Annotations ① Random Composition: Written by chance, an impromptu piece. ② This line describes the sky with faint clouds and a gentle breeze, with the time nearing noon. ③ This line means walking beside flowers and willows, passing by a small stream in front. ④ People of that time: Refers to worldly individuals. ⑤ Would think: Would say. The entire line means worldly individuals would say I am like a young man, idling away my time for pleasure.
Analysis: The first two lines of the poem depict scenery and narrate events, using a straightforward and natural style. It seems as if it was written effortlessly, as if it came out spontaneously. The third and fourth lines express emotions and opinions, using a subtle approach to convey the joy of being one with nature. The author was a prominent Confucian scholar of the Northern Song Dynasty. Only by stepping out of the study and getting close to nature could he write such simple, engaging, and enjoyable poems. Qing Dynasty scholar Wang Xiang once said: "This is a self-composed poem by the Master of Illuminating the Way, describing his leisurely life and joy. It speaks of the light clouds and mist of spring, the gentle wind and clear sunlight, with the time nearing noon and the weather harmonious. Walking beside flowers and willows, gazing at the mountains and rivers, he delights in the scenery before him and finds joy in his heart. He fears that people of that time would not understand, thinking he is idling away his time like a young man." (From The Annotated Thousand Poems) P1