To Officer Han Chuo in Yangzhou
Green hills appear faintly; waters stretch far away.
Though autumn ends south of the river, the grasses have not withered.
On a moonlit night by the Twenty-Four Bridges,
Where is the graceful one teaching someone to play the flute?
Notes
Han Chuo was a friend and an official in a regional governor’s staff. The Twenty-Four Bridges are associated with Yangzhou, though the exact reference is debated. The identity of the graceful person and the sense of “teach” have multiple interpretations.
Meaning
The poet imagines distant southern scenery and a moonlit Yangzhou night, sending a playful question to his friend Han Chuo.
Appreciation
Faint hills and distant water make both landscape and separation perceptible.
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In this version the grass has not withered; another textual reading describes withered vegetation.
Bridge and moon introduce a playful question rather than a direct declaration of longing.
The identities and actions in the last line admit more than one interpretation.
About the poet
Du Mu (803–852), courtesy name Muzhi, was a Tang poet and official from the area of present-day Xi’an. His works include Mountain Journey, Spring in Jiangnan and the prose-poem Efang Palace.
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Life: Du Mu held posts in the Yangzhou area and later served in regional offices, including Huangzhou and Chizhou.
Works: Alongside Qingming, his well-known writing includes Mountain Journey, Spring in Jiangnan and Efang Palace.