212

Tu Fu (712–770) wrote this poem in 761 in Chengtu. Some editions, however, attribute it to Sun Chin (960–1017). As autumn brings relief from summer heat, Tu Fu is more concerned that the time has nearly passed for an appointment equal to his aspirations. Hence, he considers submitting a poem to the throne, as he had done previously without success—and as the poet Ssu-ma Hsiang-ju (179–117 B.C.) once did during the Han dynasty at Chinma (Bronze Horse) Gate outside the Secretariat. The Chinese pounded their clothes on flat rocks when washing them, but they also pounded new material in autumn to toughen the fabric for winter. The last line quotes a poem in the Book of Odes that expresses disappointment in growing old without achieving one’s ambition.

Early Autumn

TU FU

Before the fiery clouds have quenched their fearsome peaks

resting on a pillow I’m surprised by a breeze

somewhere garden trees are sighing

and someone pounds a solitary mallet

throbbing cicadas mourn the setting moon

zigzagging fireflies light the evening sky

I planned to take a poem to Chinma Gate again

but late at night I scratch my head and sigh at my thin hair