Chu Ci - (Image and Text)

Author: Wu Guangping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features:
As the current flows, I fear I may not catch up,
For years are passing me by.
In the morning, I pluck the mulberry on the hillside,
In the evening, I gather the fragrant grass on the islet.
[Notes]
① The current (yu) in Chu dialect refers to the swift flow of water. Here it implies the swift passage of time. Not catching up means failing to keep pace.
② "Not waiting for me" is an inverted form of "not waiting for me." These lines express the poet's fear that time will slip away, leaving him unable to achieve his goals for the state.
③ Pluck (qian) in Chu dialect means to pick. Pi refers to a large hillside in Chu dialect. Mulberry is a fragrant tree, also known as the yellow-hearted tree, purple magnolia, with bark similar to cassia and a shape like the camphor tree. It grows to several zhang in height, and it is said that if its bark is peeled, it will not die.
④ Gather (lan) means to pick. The islet refers to land in the water. The fragrant grass that survives winter is called "mulberry grass." This grass can grow back even if its heart is pulled out. The mulberry tree does not die when its bark is peeled, and the fragrant grass does not die when its heart is pulled out. Both are unchanging in fragrance, which is why they are used for self-cultivation.
The days and nights pass swiftly,
Spring and autumn take turns.
I think of the withering of grass and trees,
And fear the beauty of the noble will fade.
[Notes]
① Swiftly implies the rapid passage of time. Drowning (yan) means lingering for a long time.
② Taking turns means alternating in sequence.
③ Only means to think. Withering means drifting and falling.
④ The noble refers to the King of Chu, as there are various interpretations in ancient and modern times. Some say it refers to King Huai, some say it refers to Qu Yuan himself, some say it refers to the prime of life, and some say it refers to scholars in general. From the following context, it is more likely to refer to King Huai. Delayed evening implies old age. These four lines express the poet's fear that the King of Chu will not act promptly, delaying the future of the state. The word "fear" fully conveys the poet's sense of crisis regarding state affairs, especially his urgent anxiety for the future of his homeland and his deep worry about its fate.
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