No leaves sprout from mulberry trees on drought-scorched earth;
Flutes and pipes are played to evoke the Rain God's mirth.
But the rich see dances and hear songstresses sing;
They only fear rain clouds would damage their lute string.
Original Poem:
「观祈雨」
李约
桑条无叶土生烟，箫管迎龙水庙前。
朱门几处看歌舞，犹恐春阴咽管弦。
Interpretation:
This is a sharp and bitter political satire. By comparing the songs and dances on two different occasions during the spring drought, the poet vividly and profoundly reveals the conflict of interests between the farmers and the rich in the feudal society, and ridicules the desultory enjoyment of the ruling class.
The first two lines: the drought is so severe that the mulberry trees do not produce any leaves, the land is dry, the dust that rises seems like smoke, and people play musical instruments to beg for rain in front of the Dragon King Temple.
The first line starts with the drought, which is the reason for praying for rain. The second sentence describes the scene of praying for rain. In the sound of piping, people perform all kinds of programs to entertain the gods, which looks very lively. However, the people praying for rain are only smiling forcibly, but they are anxious inside.
The last two lines: However, the rich and noble people listen to the songs and dances all day long, and they are afraid that the orchestral instruments will be dampened by the rain in spring and fail to produce pleasant sounds.
The last two lines can be said to be the feelings of watching the praying for rain. The two scenes before and after form a set of contrast. In front of the Water Temple, there are countless small people welcoming the Dragon God; while a few rich and powerful families are savoring the orchestral instruments and enjoying the songs and dances at the same time. One side is afraid that it will not rain; the other side is worried that it will rain. The one who is afraid of rain is because it is a matter of life and death; the one who is worried about rain is just afraid that the silk and bamboo will be damp and the sound will be muffled.
In this way, one side is deeply worried and unfortunate, while the other side is playful and idle. The subtext of this contrast can be said to be: the world is so unfair.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Li Yue (李约), with a clean and reticent character, was not close to powder in his life, and explored the ancient world. His poems are simple in language and somber in feeling.
