Two Poems on Qujiang (Poem II) - Du Fu
/曲江二首(其二) - 杜甫/
Reveling in Spring Delights and the Passing of Time
朝回日日典春衣，
After returning from court, each day I pawn my spring clothes.
每日江头尽醉归。
Every day by the river’s edge, I drink until I stagger home.
酒债寻常行处有，
Debts of wine abound wherever I roam,
人生七十古来稀。
For seventy-year lifespans have always been rare.
穿花蛱蝶深深见，
Through the flowers, butterflies flutter in the depths,
点水蜻蜓款款飞。
Skimming the water, dragonflies hover with graceful ease.
传语风光共流转，
I bid this passing scenery to flow along with me,
暂时相赏莫相违。
Let us cherish this moment without drifting apart.
In this second poem from his “Two Poems on Qujiang,” Du Fu paints a scene of indulgence and philosophical acceptance of life’s transience. Written during the Tang Dynasty’s turbulent times, the poem highlights the poet’s daily ritual: after serving at court, he pawns his spring garments to fund his wine and revelry by the riverside. Yet, this isn’t mere abandon—rather, it underscores a gentle, almost wistful acknowledgment that life is fleeting, with Du Fu noting how rare it is for anyone to reach the age of seventy.
Nature’s imagery of butterflies and dragonflies underscores the ephemeral nature of existence. The butterflies “flutter in the depths” of the blooms, and dragonflies “hover with graceful ease” on the water’s surface, illustrating how even the smallest forms of life share in the season’s bounty. At the same time, these scenes emphasize the inexorable passage of time and beauty, as all eventually drifts away.
The poem’s closing couplet captures Du Fu’s earnest desire to remain in harmony with nature’s flow—he personifies the passing scenery, inviting it to keep pace with him, while entreating that they not be separated. This moment of communion reflects his outlook: rather than lament what cannot be controlled, he chooses to appreciate what is right before him.
The work’s enduring appeal lies in its delicate balance of revelry and melancholy. Du Fu’s candid acceptance of humanity’s impermanence resonates across centuries, reminding readers that while ambition and worry often consume our days, there is immense value in pausing to savor the fleeting wonders around us. Whether viewed as an ode to spring or a reflection on mortality, the poem continues to inspire contemplation about how best to spend our limited time under heaven.
Key points
Du Fu demonstrates how embracing life’s small joys can offer solace in uncertain times. His lines remind us to seek delight in each passing day, for existence is fragile and the future is never guaranteed.