My youngest daughter's six years old;
She cannot tell clumsy from clever.
At night on crossing the threshold,
She prays the moon to shine forever.
Original Poem:
「幼女词」
施肩吾
幼女才六岁，未知巧与拙。
向夜在堂前，学人拜新月。
Interpretation:
This is a short poem by Tang dynasty poet Shi Jianwu, depicting a delightful moment involving his young daughter. Shi Jianwu cherished his family deeply, especially his young daughter, who is mentioned in several of his poems. In this piece, the poet captures a fleeting, charming scene with concise and vivid strokes, offering a glimpse into Tang-era family life and the affectionate bonds within it.
First Couplets:“幼女才六岁，未知巧与拙。”
(My young daughter is only six years old; she doesn’t yet know the difference between skillful and clumsy.)
The poet begins by highlighting his daughter’s tender age and lack of understanding, emphasizing her innocence and naivety. Phrases like "only six years old" and "doesn’t yet know" underscore her childlike simplicity, setting the playful and innocent tone for the poem.
Second Couplets:“向夜在堂前，学人拜新月。”
(At night, she stands before the hall, imitating the grown-ups in bowing to the new moon.)
The poet paints a humorous and heartwarming scene: his daughter mimics adults performing a ritual, earnestly bowing to the crescent moon. This depiction of her naive and playful behavior vividly captures her pure and carefree nature, while also revealing the poet’s affectionate gaze.
Literary Features
- Implied Emotion and Playful Tone: The poet doesn’t directly praise his daughter’s innocence but conveys it through a detailed portrayal of her actions, allowing readers to feel the charm of her childlike purity.
- Concise and Vivid Imagery: Employing a minimalist style, the poet uses only 28 characters to create a lively and endearing portrait of his daughter.
- Humorous Contrast: The young girl’s serious imitation of adults contrasts with her innocent misunderstanding, producing a humorous and delightful effect.
Overall Analysis
This poem captures the pure charm and humor of a young child bowing to the new moon, a detail that vividly illustrates her innocence and playful spirit. The first couplet introduces her tender age and lack of understanding, while the second couplet shows her earnest imitation of adults. This humorous yet touching portrayal reflects the poet’s deep love for his daughter. Shi Jianwu’s fresh and subtle style brings to life a “little adult” figure, full of warmth, liveliness, and artistic appeal.
Insights
The poem reminds us of the beauty and purity of childhood, urging us to cherish such fleeting, everyday moments. It also reflects the warmth of familial love and the poet’s profound appreciation for the simple joys of family life. By capturing this lighthearted scene, the poet evokes a sense of nostalgia for the innocent and carefree days of youth, leaving a lasting emotional impression.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the Poet:
Shi Jian-wu (施肩吾), 780-861 AD, was a poet and Taoist scholar of the Tang Dynasty. He was a native of Tongxian Village (later known as Xiande Village) in Fen Shui County, Muzhou. In 820 AD, he passed the imperial examination and became the first Zhuangyuan (top scholar) from the Hangzhou region.
