Two poems by Zhang Jiuling (678-740 張九齡)

Here are two translations of poems by Zhang Jiuling. For some reason, these poems start almost all of the '300 Tang Poems' collections. The Tang dynasty(618-907) is usually considered the 'Golden Age' of just about everything Chinese. To the Chinese, nothing is more Chinese than poetry. Endless reams of poetry were written by the aristocratic classes in order to demonstrate the author's erudition, and much of it is of not much interest. For good general introductions to the Chinese poetic tradition check out translation by Wai Yimlip, Red Pine (Bill Porter), and the iconic Arthur Waley. For more contemporary poetry find David Budbill. He's a Vermont hermit who manages to channel the feel of classical poetry into original English language compositions.

感遇其一

孤鴻海上來， 池潢不敢顧；

側見雙翠鳥， 巢在三珠樹。

矯矯珍木巔， 得無金丸懼？

美服患人指， 高明逼神惡。

今我遊冥冥， 弋者何所慕？

Feelings Upon Encountering 1

Lone swan coming over the sea

Not daring to consider pool and pond.

To the side, see the pair of Kingfishers

Nesting in the Tum Tum tree.

Lofty are the heights of its pearled wood,

But don’t you worry about the hunter’s sling?

Beautiful vestments invite pointing men

High and bright! The Gods will begrudge you.

“Today I explore the vast dark sky,

Who will the hunters admire then?”

張九齡

感遇其二

蘭葉春葳蕤， 桂華秋皎潔；

欣欣此生意， 自爾為佳節。

誰知林棲者？ 聞風坐相悅，

草木有本心， 何求美人折？

Feelings Upon Encountering 2

Spring: orchid leaves abound thickly.

Autumn: cinnamon flowers bright, pure.

Thriving, this is the intention of life.

Other, self, each perfect in our regular patterns.

Who knows who dwells in the forest?

Hearing wind: sit, face it, enjoy.

Grasses and trees have true nature.

Why seek someone beautiful to humiliate them?