[Poem] WATCHING VILLAGE CHILDREN AT PLAY BY THE STREAM - A Glimpse of Rural Merriment and Subtle Humor

In this concise, four-line poem, Lu You paints a lighthearted scene set shortly after rainfall—when the stream’s water rises near a humble, rustic gate. Village children, drawn by both curiosity and playful energy, gather at the water’s edge.

The lines highlight the children’s apparent eagerness to 'help' a passing boatman: one child raises his hand, as if to assist the traveler. Yet the poet wryly suggests a hidden motive—perhaps these youngsters are more focused on the possibility of fish coming into the swollen creek. This everyday scenario, common in rural life, becomes a moment of quiet humor and insight.

Lu You’s attentiveness to small, unassuming details (like children’s mischief after a rain) contrasts with his better-known patriotic or introspective works. Instead, he captures a scene of innocence and subtle cunning, reflecting how practical concerns (food, fish) naturally intertwine with childlike fun in the countryside. The poem’s final note of gentle irony underscores how even good-natured gestures may hold a touch of self-interest.

Overall, “Watching Village Children at Play by the Stream” exemplifies Lu You’s broader talent: he can pivot from grand, nationalistic verses to humble snapshots of rural life, all the while preserving an eye for revealing human nature in its simplest forms.