Chinese Poem

I find this poem to be especially moving.  It was written by T'ao Ch'ien, a Chinese poet who lived in the fourth and fifth centuries AD.

Moving House

My old desire to live in the Southern Village

Was not because I had taken a fancy to the house.

But I heard it was a place of simple-minded men

With whom it were a joy to spend the mornings and evenings.

Many years I had longed to settle here:

Now at last I have managed to move house.

I do not mind if my cottage is rather small

So long as there's room enough for bed and mat.

Often and often the neighbors come to see me

And with brave words discuss the things of old.

Rare writings we read together and praise:

Doubtful meanings we examine together and settle.


I think this poem gets at the goal of this blog: a place to meditate on "writings" and "doubtful meanings."