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By the Eastern Hedge

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Chrysanthemums are important flowers in Chinese art and literature, along with plum, bamboo, orchid, lotus.

One of the most famous depictions of it is from the poem "Chrysanthemums on the Eastern Hedge" by Chinese poet Tao Yuanming (365-427). As an act of protest against inequities he witnessed while working for the government, he retreated to his garden. There he cultivated chrysanthemums, considered a humble flower. This garden has come to represent the retreat of a principled man.

"I built a cottage right in the realm of men
Yet there was no noise from wagon and horse.

I ask you, how can that be so?
When mind is far, its place becomes remote.

I picked a chrysanthemum by the eastern hedge
Off in the distance gazed on south mountain.

Mountain vapors glow lovely in twilight sun
Where birds in flight join in return.

There is some true significance here:
I want to expound it but have lost the words.

(Translated by Stephen Owen)

Posted by Maria on October 1, 2007 6:05 PM |

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