English中文
A Spring River in Huichong’s Painting
竹外桃花三两枝
Beyond bamboo, two or three peach-blossom sprays;
春江水暖鸭先知
Ducks are first to feel the spring river’s warmth.
蒌蒿满地芦芽短
Mugwort fills the banks and reed shoots are short;
正是河豚欲上时
It is the season when pufferfish would swim upstream.
Meaning
Peach blossoms appear beyond bamboo and ducks feel the river warming. New riverside plants suggest spring, prompting a thought beyond the painting about pufferfish season. Enjoy the imagery without handling or eating pufferfish.
About the poet
Su Shi was a Song poet. Looking at a painting, he imagines spring life beyond its visible details.