Seeking the Daoist Changshan’s Retreat by South Stream
All along the path I travel,
Footprints show upon the moss.
White clouds rest by a quiet islet;
Spring grass gathers at the quiet gate.
After rain I look at the colour of pines;
Following the hills, I reach the source of the water.
Streamside flowers and a meditative mood:
Facing them, I too forget to speak.
Notes
South Stream is a place name whose location is discussed differently. Moss bears traces of footsteps. The quiet islet has a variant reading as a quiet person. The final silence suggests a meditative mood without requiring one fixed interpretation.
Meaning
Seeking a mountain Daoist, the poet follows mossy paths past clouds, spring grass and rain-washed pines, arriving at quiet contemplation.
Appreciation
Footprints on moss make the search visible.
Read the full appreciationCollapse
Clouds, islet, grass and gate establish a quiet setting.
Rain-washed pines and a water source carry the journey deeper into the hills.
Stream flowers and silence leave space for the reader’s own response.
About the poet
Liu Changqing, courtesy name Wenfang, was a Tang poet who served as prefect of Suizhou. His dates and place of origin are uncertain.
Read about the poetCollapse
He held offices in several places and experienced exile; landscapes, partings and journeys appear in his work.
His poems include Seeing Off Master Lingche and Staying with the Master of Furong Mountain in Snow.