Around the cottage like Tao's autumn flowers grow;
Along the hedge I stroll until the sun slants low.
Not that I favor partially the chrysanthemum,
But it is the last flower after which none will bloom.
Original Poem:
「菊花」
元稹
秋丛绕舍似陶家，遍绕篱边日渐斜。
不是花中偏爱菊，此花开尽更无花。
Interpretation:
This poem was written by the poet in Chang'an in 802 A.D. It is a work of chrysanthemum appreciation. Chrysanthemum, as the flower of frost, is praised by some for its strong character and appreciated by others for its noble temperament, while this poem on chrysanthemum by Yuan Zhen is a unique way of saying why he loves chrysanthemum.
The first two lines: A clump of autumn chrysanthemums surrounds the house as if it were Tao Yuanming's home. When I went around the fence to view the chrysanthemums, I didn't realize that the sun was about to set.
The poet compares the place where the chrysanthemums are planted to Tao's house, so it is obvious that there are so many chrysanthemums in autumn and the flowers are in full bloom. So many beautiful chrysanthemums make people feel happy. The poet focuses on the flowers, the interest is so strong, not to the east hedge will stop, but “around the fence”, unknowingly sunset, showing the poet enjoying chrysanthemum leisurely mood.
In the last two lines, it is not because of favoring chrysanthemums among all the flowers, but because there are no more flowers to enjoy after the chrysanthemums have bloomed.
It points out the reason why the poet loves chrysanthemums and that he is not fond of chrysanthemums for no reason. Chrysanthemums are the last to wither among all flowers, and once they are gone, there are no more flowers to enjoy. Once the chrysanthemums are gone, there will be no more flowers to enjoy. People's love for flowers naturally focuses on chrysanthemums. Therefore, as the last flower, it is uniquely favored by people.
This poem explores the unusual poetic meaning of chrysanthemums from the common theme of chrysanthemums, giving people new inspirations, which is novel, natural and not commonplace.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Yuan Zhen (元稹), 779-831 A.D., was a native of Luoyang, Henan Province, who was poor in his early years, but later became an official and finally died of a violent illness. He was friendly with Bai Juyi and often sang with him, and was known as “Yuan Bai”.
