63

Tu Fu wrote this poem in the summer of 765. The death of his patron and protector, Yen Wu, prompted his departure from Chengtu in May. Looking for another place to settle with his family, he headed east. Here, traveling on one of the tall-masted boats that carried passengers on the Yangtze, he wishes he had achieved fame for something other than writing—poets earned no royalties—and for something more worthy of his talents. When he quit his last post he was only forty-six. But age and illness are standard reasons given to avoid criticizing the court for its lack of appreciation. Since the moon is rising after the stars are out, it must be waning—an apt metaphor for Tu Fu’s career. Seagulls are rarely alone.

Recording My Thoughts While Traveling at Night

TU FU

A shore of thin reeds in light wind

a tall boat alone at night

stars hang over the barren land

the moon rises out of the Yangtze

how could writing ever lead to fame

I quit my post due to illness and age

drifting along what am I like

a solitary gull between Heaven and Earth