积雨辋川庄作 - 王维
Composed at Wangchuan Retreat After Continuous Rains - Wang Wei
Quiet reflections following days of gentle rainfall
积雨空林烟火迟，
After long rains, the empty forest’s smoke and flames rise late,
蒸藜炊黍饷东菑。
Steaming wild greens and cooking millet to feed those tilling fields in the east.
漠漠水田飞白鹭，
Across misty paddies, white egrets take flight,
阴阴夏木啭黄鹂。
In the dim summer foliage, orioles trill their melodies.
山中习静观朝槿，
Living quietly in the mountains, I observe the morning hibiscus,
松下清斋折露葵。
Keeping a simple fast beneath pines, plucking dew-laden mallows.
野老与人争席罢，
An old villager ceases competing for a seat among the crowd,
海鸥何事更相疑？
Why should the seagulls, once at ease, grow mistrustful once more?
In this poem, Wang Wei captures the calm that settles over his Wangchuan estate once continuous rain finally relents. Each couplet evokes a different facet of a rural world renewed by moisture: the forest still carrying the lingering scent of smoke and dampness, paddies draped in mist while white egrets glide above, and summer trees alive with the songs of orioles. The subdued atmosphere invites a sense of quiet observation—ranging from the steam rising as simple meals are prepared for workers to the marvel of dew-touched foliage.
Wang Wei deftly uses ordinary, close-to-the-earth details to highlight the modest life he embraces. Whether referencing an old villager relinquishing a seat or watchers quietly enjoying the bloom of morning hibiscus, the poem suggests that true contentment is found in communal harmony and mindful engagement with nature. The question of seagulls becoming suspicious of one another carries a subtle allegory: once a balanced environment is disturbed, even tranquil creatures may grow uneasy. Perhaps, Wang Wei is suggesting that human actions—or societal upheavals—can sow mistrust, even in places once defined by peace.
As both a painter and poet, Wang Wei was known for his ability to depict entire scenes in just a few lines, blending spare, evocative language with a painterly sense of focus. Here, the impression of light, water, and stillness merges with a lingering reflection on how humans coexist with the land and its wildlife. Each line subtly emphasizes the importance of attuning oneself to the natural environment and maintaining humility, as life’s true richness unfolds quietly in everyday moments. By the poem’s end, readers are encouraged to consider how easily calm can be unsettled—and how necessary it is to safeguard simplicity in our hearts and surroundings.
Key points
Wang Wei’s poem exemplifies how renewed harmony can emerge after a long period of rain. With minimal but vivid imagery, it reminds us that nature’s rhythms often mirror our internal states: just as the land recovers its calm, so too can humans find serenity if we remain open to humble tasks, modest fellowship, and the subtle wonders in our midst. The passing reference to seagulls’ suspicions hints that true peace must be actively nurtured; otherwise, even tranquil realms can drift into discord.
Comments
Noble SparrowWhen I traveled recently to a countryside bed-and-breakfast, days of steady rain gave the fields a similar hushed vibrancy—just like in Wang Wei’s verses.
RogueNightA long exhale in poetic form, ‘积雨辋川庄作’ captures the exact moment the world breathes easy again, leaving only the pure melody of nature’s gentle hush.
Mystic FalconIt’s soothing to imagine misty hills rolling away, each slope glimmering with recent rain. The poem creates a meditative space for the reader.
Calm White Bat DenShort but vibrant: the poem’s calm setting reverberates with the gentle drip of rain echoing in lush surroundings.
Fierce Blue WolfThe sense of stillness after rain in ‘积雨辋川庄作’ feels like a private moment shared with the entire valley.
ElementXioWhat I love most is the underlying sense that nature and heart both rejuvenate after the storm, forging a deep bond between the poet and his environment.
Dark Nova Bee HiveThe hush after the storm in this poem gives me the same feeling as finishing a stressful day—relief, clarity, and renewed focus.
Sturdy IbexI sense Wang Wei’s strong Buddhist influence here—each drop of rain resonates like a small lesson in patience and acceptance.
Urban TwilightCompared to Wang Wei’s ‘鹿柴’ (Deer Enclosure), this poem highlights a cozy, reflective mood shaped by lingering rainfall and the silence that follows.
Silent Green WolfI love how each drop of rain adds a layer of tranquility, as though nature is breathing fresh life into every rock and tree.
Dynamic SparkThe lines evoke a swirl of muted greens, soft drips, and dim light through the damp air, embodying peace yet deep introspection.
CircuitBreI admire how Wang Wei captures that moment when heavy rain lifts, leaving behind a fresh, living silence—a perfect snapshot of renewal.
Crimson WolfThis poem offers more than scenic beauty—it presents a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate how rain can transform our perspective on even the most familiar places.
CosmicBlazThe subtle, peaceful atmosphere here makes me feel the poet’s soul is washing itself clean alongside the drenched earth.
Celestial Digital DriftIn a world full of climate concerns, the poem’s reverence for nature’s cycles seems more relevant than ever, reminding us of the delicate balance between man and environment.
Electric AuraReading these lines, I’m reminded of a quiet retreat I visited last year, where days of soft rain transformed the landscape into a serene painting.
Infinite Cyber ShiftI’m struck by the sense of unity: water saturates the ground, the poet’s thoughts saturate the page, and everything merges in quiet contemplation.
Light DragonBrief reflection: there’s a subtle invitation in these lines to slow down and merge with the rhythm of the raindrops.
Virtual SpectrumEvery image in ‘积雨辋川庄作’ sparkles with post-rain clarity, capturing the hush that descends when clouds finally part.
Neon StormIt’s like stepping into a watercolor scene—soft edges, muted tones, and an undercurrent of timeless peace. Wang Wei’s gentle style truly shines here.
