Wang Wei: Fields and Gardens in the Middle of Spring

Fields and Gardens in the Middle of Spring

春 中 田 园 作

屋 中 春 鸠 鸣
村 边 杏 花 白。
持 斧 伐 远 扬
荷 锄 觇 泉 脉。

归 燕 识 故 巢
旧 人 看 新 历。
临 觞 忽 不 御
惆 怅 远 行 客。

Chun Zhong Tian Yuan Zuo

Wu zhong chun jiu ming
Cun bian xing hua bai.
Chi fu fa yuan yang
He chu chan quan mai.

Gui yan shi gu chao
Jiu ren kan xin li.
Lin shang hu bu yu
Chou chang yuan xing ke.

Fields and Gardens in the Middle of Spring

Springtime turtledoves coo from house rooftops
Along the side of the village white apricot blooms.
Far away the sounds of woodcutters are known
Carrying a hoe on a shoulder, survey the rivulets feeding the spring.

Returning swallows know why it is time to nest
Even the old people can see new experiences.
Stay close to the wine cup, ignore what you cannot control
Melancholy and sadness felt by this distant traveling visitor.