Flowers are shadowed, the palace darkens,
Birds twitter by for a place to perch;
Heaven's ten thousand windows are twinkling,
And nine cloud-terraces are gleaming in the moonlight.
...While I wait for the golden lock to turn,
I hear jade pendants tinkling in the wind...
I have a petition to present in the morning,
All night I ask what time it is.
Original Poem:
「春宿左省」
杜甫
花隐掖垣暮， 啾啾栖鸟过。
星临万户动， 月傍九霄多。
不寝听金钥， 因风想玉珂。
明朝有封事， 数问夜如何。
Interpretation:
In April of the second year of Emperor Suzong's Zhide era (757), Du Fu fled from Chang'an to Fengxiang, where he had an audience with the emperor. In May, he was appointed to the position of Zuoshiyi (Left Remonstrator). Though this was not a high-ranking office, it carried significant responsibilities, requiring him to offer direct admonitions to the emperor, either in person or through sealed memorials. In the spring of the first year of the Qianyuan era (758), while serving in Chang’an, Du Fu was on night duty at the Left Secretariat. It was during this time that he composed this poem, recording his observations and emotions while staying overnight at the palace offices, reflecting his devotion to the nation and his solemn self-discipline.
First Couplet: “花隐掖垣暮，啾啾栖鸟过。”
huā yǐn yè yuán mù, jiū jiū qī niǎo guò.
The flowers cast shadows upon the palace walls as dusk deepens, while birds chirp softly, returning to their nests.
The poet begins with a tranquil evening scene—flowers swaying in the dimming light, the palace walls standing in solemn quietude, and birds passing by with soft chirping. This imagery establishes the serene yet somewhat solemn atmosphere of a spring night in the imperial court. The mention of Yeyuan (the inner palace walls where the Left Secretariat was located) also situates the poet within his official surroundings.
Second Couplet: “星临万户动，月傍九霄多。”
xīng lín wàn hù dòng, yuè bàng jiǔ xiāo duō.
Starlight shimmers upon the countless palace doors, flickering slightly; the towering halls seem even closer to the bright moon high above.
As night deepens, the poet describes the celestial spectacle over the grand imperial city. Stars appear to tremble over the many palace gates, while the towering palace structures seem to reach toward the moon. The phrase Jiuxiao (Nine Heavens) metaphorically represents the sky, evoking a sense of reverence and awe toward the imperial court.
Third Couplet: “不寝听金钥，因风想玉珂。”
bù qǐn tīng jīn yào, yīn fēng xiǎng yù kē.
Unable to sleep, I hear the faint sound of palace keys unlocking; as the wind stirs, I imagine the morning bells on the officials’ bridles.
Here, the poem transitions from external scenery to the poet’s inner world. Due to his official duties, Du Fu remains sleepless, his ears attuned to the subtle sounds around him. The golden keys symbolize the unlocking of the palace gates, while jade stirrups represent the court officials’ horses preparing for the morning audience. These auditory details suggest the poet’s deep engagement with the rhythm of palace life and his anticipation of the duties awaiting him.
Fourth Couplet: “明朝有封事，数问夜如何。”
míng cháo yǒu fēng shì, shù wèn yè rú hé.
Tomorrow, I must present a sealed memorial, so I repeatedly check how far the night has passed.
The final couplet reveals the poet’s preoccupation with state affairs. Knowing that he must submit a confidential memorial to the emperor at dawn, he anxiously monitors the time, emphasizing his diligence and concern for the nation. The phrase repeatedly checking the night vividly conveys his restlessness and sense of duty, encapsulating his unwavering commitment to his role.
Overall Analysis
The poem progresses chronologically from dusk to deep night, and then to the anticipation of dawn. The first half paints a vivid night scene, while the latter half reveals the poet’s inner emotions. The seamless integration of imagery and sentiment results in a tightly structured composition. Through the depiction of the imperial palace at night, Du Fu subtly expresses his conscientiousness as an official and his deep concern for the nation. Though the poem contains no direct discourse on politics, its refined descriptions and introspective tone effectively convey his sense of duty and solemn devotion.
Writing Techniques
- Clear progression and structured composition: The poem follows a natural timeline, from dusk to deep night, with the emotions deepening alongside the imagery.
- Blend of scenery and sentiment, balance of reality and imagination: The poem begins with an external night scene and transitions into the poet’s introspective thoughts, creating a harmonious fusion of reality and reflection.
- Subtle symbolism and layered meaning: Elements like golden keys and jade stirrups serve not only as literal palace imagery but also as metaphors for state affairs, enriching the poem’s depth.
Insights
Du Fu’s Spring Night at the Left Secretariat reflects his meticulous dedication and unwavering sense of duty as a court official. Despite holding a relatively minor post, he remained deeply committed to the welfare of the state. His sleepless vigilance mirrors the diligence and integrity required of those in governance. This poem serves as a timeless reminder that true responsibility is not defined by rank but by one’s steadfast commitment to duty. In any position, whether high or low, one’s dedication and conscientiousness can leave a lasting impact, making a meaningful contribution to society.
Poem translator:
Kiang Kanghu
About the poet
Du Fu (杜甫), 712 - 770 AD, was a great poet of the Tang Dynasty, known as the "Sage of Poetry". Born into a declining bureaucratic family, Du Fu had a rough life, and his turbulent and dislocated life made him keenly aware of the plight of the masses. Therefore, his poems were always closely related to the current affairs, reflecting the social life of that era in a more comprehensive way, with profound thoughts and a broad realm. In his poetic art, he was able to combine many styles, forming a unique style of "profound and thick", and becoming a great realist poet in the history of China.
