Read the poem
Revisiting the He Family's Residence (Part Three)
Author: Du Fu
Sunset on the terrace, sipping Tea in the spring breeze. Leaning against the stone railing with brush in hand, sitting to pen a poem on the paulownia leaf. The jade bird sings from the clothesline, a dragonfly perches on the fishing line. Since this day's delight, when we will meet again is uncertain.
Taste the poetry's meaning
The sunset fills the terrace with its glow, and in the spring breeze, we sip our fragrant tea together.
Leaning carefree against the stone railing, I casually write a poem on the paulownia leaf with my brush. The jade bird sings from the clothesline, and a dragonfly quietly stands on the fishing line. From this day forward, I enjoy this elegant setting and mood even more, not knowing when I might have the chance to visit again.
This poem describes an evening in spring where the author drinks tea at the He family's residence. When inspired, he leans on the stone railing and begins to write a poem on a paulownia leaf. He is accompanied by jade birds and dragonflies. This scene could be painted as an exquisite “Tea Drinking and Poetry Writing Picture.”
Du Fu did not have poems dedicated solely to tea but mentioned Drinking Tea in other poems. Besides this one, there are others like “Carrying tea and sugarcane juice, the ceramic jar is no less than a jade vase” (from “Taking Out the Boat”) and “The mat in the forest is secluded, and tea and melons make guests linger” (from “At a Hut on the River in Ba”).
Learn about the poet
Du Fu (712-770): A great poet of the Tang Dynasty. His courtesy name was Zimei, and he referred to himself as the Old Hermit of Shaoling. In the third year of Tianbao (744), he met Li Bai in Luoyang. During the reign of Emperor Suzong, he served as the Left Censor. Later, he resigned and moved his family to Chengdu. The governor of the Sword Southern Circuit recommended him as an Acting Officer in the Ministry of Works, hence he was also known as “Du Gongbu.” Many of his excellent works reflect the historical process of the Tang Dynasty transitioning from prosperity during the Kaiyuan era to division and decline, earning him the title “Poet-Historian.” He is a great realist poet and has a collection titled “Du Gongbu's Collection.”