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Chang Feng (1052–1112) was from Chingchiang in Kiangsu province and served in the Sung capital of Kaifeng, where he rose to the rank of vice-minister in charge of ritual observances. He was one of the four most famous members of Su Shih’s literary coterie and was known for the realism of his poetry as well as for his honesty and love of simplicity. Not surprisingly, many of his surviving poems are about life in the countryside. This was one in a series of three he wrote soon after his retirement.

Summer Day

CHANG FENG

Late summer on the river the sun and wind are mild

the little birds below the eaves are grown

sun-drenched butterflies dance among the flowers

newly spun spiderwebs brighten every room

threadbare curtains invite the moon’s reflection

a pillow made of clay echoes with the current

my long-graying temples recall the frost and snow

let me pass this life chopping wood and fishing