Guest Arrives - Du Fu
/客至 - 杜甫/
A Humble Home Welcomes Warm Companionship
舍南舍北皆春水，
All around my cottage, south and north, the spring waters flow;
但见群鸥日日来。
I see flocks of gulls arriving day after day.
花径不曾缘客扫，
The flowered path remains unswept, for I rarely entertain guests,
蓬门今始为君开。
Yet today, my humble gate stands open just for you.
盘飧市远无兼味，
The market is distant; I have no lavish dishes to share,
樽酒家贫只旧醅。
Only an old jar of homemade wine from my poor household.
肯与邻翁相对饮，
Will you join me and our neighbor for a drink?
隔篱呼取尽余杯。
We’ll call him over the fence to fill every remaining cup.
In this poem, Du Fu warmly depicts the scene of welcoming a guest to his modest riverside home. Surrounded by the fresh vibrancy of spring waters, the poet notices the daily arrival of gulls, a natural backdrop that subtly reflects his own quiet life. Although Du Fu’s household is far from affluent—he can offer only basic fare and a jar of old homemade wine—this humble hospitality carries profound sincerity.
He contrasts the unkempt flowered path, a sign of his modest living, with his sudden eagerness to open his doors to a cherished visitor. The invitation to call over a neighbor implies the poet’s belief that even limited resources, when shared in good spirit, can foster warmth and camaraderie. These lines also remind readers of the importance of genuine human connection, especially amid the challenges of everyday life.
Du Fu’s work frequently touches on themes of austerity and social responsibility, yet here he focuses on a more personal, lighthearted moment—an intimate gathering that bridges solitude and friendship. By emphasizing the simplicity of rural life, he underlines how genuine hospitality and kindness can transcend material limitations. The poem resonates across time because it shows that true warmth comes not from opulence but from the willingness to share whatever one has, wholeheartedly.
Key points
• Genuine hospitality transcends material wealth.
• The beauty of spring reflects life’s subtle joys.
• Simple, everyday moments can become meaningful shared experiences.
• Even minimal resources can foster heartfelt human connection.