Poetry of Du Fu

Du Fu or Tu Fu (712? to 770)

Du Fu ( A Confucian poet) is often regarded as one of the greatest poets in China’s literary history.

Translations of poetry from one language to another is hard process. Nuances of the poetry often are skewed in translation due to differences of how languages interpret the world. In Chinese the problems are compounded due to bringing out the formal constraints of the original without sounding labored to the western ear.

Thinking of Li Bai at the End of the Sky

Cold wind rises at the end of the sky,
What thoughts occupy the gentleman’s mind?
What time will the wild goose come?
The rivers and lakes are full of autumn’s waters.
Literature and successful life are opposed,
Demons exult in human failure.
Talk together with the hated poet,
Throw a poem into Miluo river.

Enjoying Flowers Walking Alone on a Riverbank (1) & (2)

Before Huangshi pagoda the river flows east,
In spring’s brightness I’m tired and need the breeze.
An ownerless clump of peach blossom’s opened,
Is dark or light red more to be loved?

At Huang Si’s house, flowers fill the path,
Myriad blossoms press the branches low.
Constantly dancing butterflies stay to play,
Unrestrained, the lovely orioles cry.

Nocturnal Reflections While Travelling

Gentle breeze on grass by the shore,
The boat’s tall mast alone at night.
Stars fall; broad flat fields,
Moon rises; great river flows.
Have my writings not made any mark?
An official should stop when old and sick.
Fluttering from place to place I resemble,
A gull between heaven and earth.