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Chia Tao (779–843) was a native of the Beijing area but moved to Loyang and later Ch’ang-an as a young man. At first he chose the life of a monk but then changed his mind and decided he would rather devote his life to poetry. Although he failed to attain even minor distinction as an official, he became well known for his plaintive, well-crafted verses, some of which took years to write, and his poetry greatly influenced later generations of poets. Han Yu (768–824), who was a major influence on him, once wrote, “When Meng Chiao [751–814] died and was buried at Peimang [the graveyard outside Loyang] / the sun moon and stars suddenly felt bored / worried that literature had come to an end / Heaven gave the world Chia Tao.” The dawn bell is that of a monastery, which will soon rouse Chia Tao’s former colleagues in their quest to transcend their own attachments. In some editions this poem is entitled “For Judge Liu on the Last Day of April.” In the Chinese calendar April (the third lunar month) is the last month of spring.

Seeing Off Spring on the Last Day of April

CHIA TAO

When April reaches its thirtieth day

your wind and light forsake a poor poet

I don’t want to sleep with you tonight

until the dawn bell you’re still spring