Water-Rail to Let My Mind Wander (Part One) - Du Fu
/水槛遣心二首(其一) - 杜甫/
Meditations on Quiet Scenes Beyond the City Walls
去郭轩楹敞，
My open pavilion stands far from the city walls;
无村眺望赊。
No village in sight, the horizon extends away.
澄江平少岸，
The clear river flows level, with few banks visible;
幽树晚多花。
In the evening’s hush, many blossoms fill the hidden trees.
背郭堂成局，
Behind the city’s walls, our hall is set for a gathering;
看山坐举家。
Seated together, we gaze upon the mountains.
白头供饱饭，
Though our hair grows white, we feast with full bowls;
扰扰更何涯。
Amid this clamor, what ultimate boundary can there be?
In this first poem of the “Water-Rail to Let My Mind Wander” pair, Du Fu creates a tranquil yet subtly questioning mood. Standing apart from the city walls, the poet’s vantage point allows him to observe a quiet, far-reaching panorama. Despite the absence of villages to break the horizon, there is an undercurrent of peacefulness in the simple joys he perceives—clear waters, blossoming trees, and the day’s gentle transitions.
As evening settles, Du Fu’s focus turns inward. He portrays a gathering space—likely a family or small group—where people have convened to share the view of the mountains. This visual connects the external grandeur of nature with the intimate comfort of communal life. The image of white hair alongside a hearty meal speaks to the passage of time and the solace that can be found in small, everyday comforts. With age comes acceptance: there is joy in living within the rhythms of the natural world.
However, Du Fu also hints at life’s persistent unrest. The final line, “Amid this clamor, what ultimate boundary can there be?” introduces a philosophical note, suggesting that even in moments of calm, the world remains fraught with endless concerns. In just eight lines, he balances a sense of measured calm with the recognition of life’s ongoing, and perhaps unanswerable, questions.
Composed during the Tang Dynasty—a time of both cultural splendor and recurring turmoil—this poem conveys a serenity that contrasts with the societal upheaval Du Fu often experienced. His words remind us that, while external events can be turbulent, one may still find peace by immersing oneself in nature, gathering loved ones close, and reflecting on the universal flow of life.
In essence, the poem is a quiet window into Du Fu’s mindset: appreciative of the here and now, aware of the brevity of existence, and comfortable acknowledging that not all questions find easy resolutions. The imagery of expansive distance and close-knit fellowship encourages a perspective that balances introspection with acceptance of life’s continuous ebbs and flows.
Key points
Du Fu’s poem illustrates how a tranquil setting can soothe the spirit, even when life’s deeper uncertainties remain. By intertwining natural beauty with communal warmth, he suggests that finding moments of quiet reflection—amid the bustle and questions of existence—can nurture a sense of resilience and lasting contentment.