渔歌子
Fisherman's Song
Original
西塞山前白鹭飞，
桃花流水鳜鱼肥。
青箬笠，
绿蓑衣，
斜风细雨不须归。
Translation
Before Xisai Mountain white egrets take flight,
Peach blossoms drift, fat mandarin fish swim in the tide.
Bamboo hat of green hue,
Reed cloak in green through,
In slanting wind and fine rain, no need to go back home.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
“Fisherman's Song” is a timeless idyllic ci poem crafted by Zhang Zhihe during his reclusive years. Set in a lush spring landscape, it unfolds a tranquil, vivid scene: white egrets glide gracefully above Xisai Mountain, peach blossoms float on the rippling river where plump mandarin fish dart beneath the surface. The fisherman, wearing a green bamboo hat and reed cloak, remains immersed in the gentle wind and drizzle, unwilling to return to the mundane world. The poem encapsulates the poet's deep longing for a carefree, unconstrained life away from official complexities, celebrating the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature and the profound contentment found in simple, reclusive living.
About the Poet
张志和
Zhāng Zhìhé
Zhang Zhihe (c. 730 - c. 774) was a multi-talented figure of the mid-Tang Dynasty in China, excelling as a poet, painter, and musician. He once held official positions but resigned after political upheavals, choosing a reclusive life focused on nature and fishing. His works, centered on idyllic pastoral scenes, are celebrated for their vivid, serene imagery and profound reflection of harmony between humans and the natural world, influencing later generations of pastoral poets.
Cultural & Historical Context
1. Historical Background: Composed in the mid-Tang Dynasty (8th century), a period when the Tang Empire’s golden age waned, marked by rising political conflicts and social unrest, which led many literati to turn away from officialdom toward nature. 2. Cultural Background: “Yugezi” is a traditional ci poetic form originating from folk fishing songs; literati later adapted it to express their yearnings for reclusion and pastoral serenity. 3. Social Background: Court politics were rife with factional struggles, making reclusion an attractive escape for scholars disillusioned by bureaucratic intrigue. 4. Personal Experience: Zhang Zhihe once served Emperor Suzong but resigned after his brother’s death, retreating to a hermit’s life of fishing and wandering riverside to escape worldly worries. 5. Creative Purpose & Artistic Features: The work aims to convey the poet’s contentment with reclusion, using vibrant color imagery (white egrets, pink peaches, green attire) to paint a lively yet serene spring scene. Its concise, simple language hides deep philosophy about letting go of material desires, while the rhythmic flow mirrors the tranquility of the natural setting, creating an immersive idyllic atmosphere that resonates with readers seeking solace from the world.