Seasons pass by,
Smiles this fine day.
In spring dress,
I go eastward way.
Peaks steeped in cloud,
In mist veiled spring.
South wind flaps loud,
O’er sprouts like wing.
Original Poem
「时运 · 其一」
陶渊明
迈迈时运，穆穆良朝。
袭我春服，薄言东郊。
山涤余霭，宇暧微霄。
有风自南，翼彼新苗。
Interpretation
"Spring Excursion (First of Four)" by Tao Yuanming reflects the poet's deep connection to the natural world and his longing for a harmonious life. While influenced by the aristocratic culture of his time, Tao championed a self-sufficient, tranquil rural existence. Composed during his retreat to the countryside, this poem uses vivid natural imagery to express his anticipation of favorable fortune and his yearning for a peaceful, fulfilling life.
First Couplet: "迈迈时运，穆穆良朝。"
Mài mài shí yùn, mù mù liáng cháo.
Fortune shifts gradually; a serene and noble era dawns.
These lines convey Tao’s perception of a turning point in time, where a new age of stability and hope emerges. The words "gradual" (迈迈) and "serene" (穆穆) emphasize the steady, unhurried arrival of this change, symbolizing the advent of social harmony and renewal.
Second Couplet: "袭我春服，薄言东郊。"
Xí wǒ chūn fú, bó yán dōng jiāo.
Spring’s breath envelops me; I don my light robes and set out for the eastern fields.
The act of "donning spring robes" and journeying to the "eastern fields" symbolizes embracing new opportunities and stepping into a fresh chapter of life. The eastern fields, far from worldly noise, represent Tao’s ideal of a quiet, rustic existence in harmony with nature.
Third Couplet: "山涤余霭，宇暧微霄。"
Shān dí yú ǎi, yǔ ài wēi xiāo.
Mountains shed lingering mists; the sky glows softly with dawn’s first light.
This couplet paints a scene of morning mist dissolving over the mountains, replaced by the gentle warmth of sunlight. It metaphorically signals the end of hardship and the arrival of a bright, auspicious era, filling the poet with a sense of tranquil optimism.
Fourth Couplet: "有风自南，翼彼新苗。"
Yǒu fēng zì nán, yì bǐ xīn miáo.
A southern breeze stirs, cradling tender shoots as they rise.
The nurturing southern wind and sprouting seedlings symbolize new growth and the promise of prosperity. Here, Tao aligns the cyclical renewal of nature with his hope for personal and societal rejuvenation, celebrating the vitality brought by changing fortunes.
Overall Appreciation
Through natural imagery, Tao Yuanming intertwines the shifting tides of fortune with the regenerative power of spring. Symbols like spring robes, eastern fields, mountain mists, and the southern breeze reflect his longing for simplicity and his faith in renewal. The poem’s concise yet vivid language, paired with its rhythmic flow, radiates quiet hope and a deep appreciation for life’s quiet, enduring beauty.
Writing Characteristics
- Nature as Emotional Anchor
Tao’s pastoral style uses landscapes to mirror inner states, transforming seasons and weather into metaphors for personal and societal transformation. - Subtle Symbolism
Without overt political commentary, the poem implies hope for change through natural cycles—spring’s arrival and gentle winds become allegories for a harmonious era. - Simplicity and Serenity
The language is unadorned yet evocative, reflecting Tao’s philosophy of finding profundity in simplicity and peace in humility. - Cyclical Imagery
The poem’s focus on renewal—dawn, spring, budding crops—underscores Tao’s belief in顺应天命 (shùn yìng tiān mìng), or aligning with the natural order of life.
Insights
"Timely Fortune" teaches resilience and patience in the face of life’s uncertainties. By harmonizing with nature’s rhythms, Tao suggests that hope persists even in adversity, and renewal follows decline. The poem invites us to embrace change with grace, cultivate inner peace, and trust in the quiet, inevitable arrival of brighter days—a timeless reminder to cherish simplicity and nurture hope.
Poem translator
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet
Tao Yuanming(陶渊明), 365–427 CE, was a poet, literary figure, fu writer, and essayist active during the late Eastern Jin and early Liu Song dynasties. Born in Chaisang (near present-day Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province), he pioneered a new genre of pastoral-themed literature, expressing profound philosophical insights through simple language. His poetic style became an enduring aesthetic standard in classical Chinese poetry.
