[updated September 2022]
Jingzhao Prefecture Fresh Growing Lotus
京 北 府 新 栽 莲
污 沟 贮 浊 水
水 上 叶 田 田。
我 来 一 长 叹
知 是 东 溪 莲。
下 有 清 泥 污
馨 香 无 复 全。
上 有 红 尘 扑
颜 色 不 得 鲜。
物 性 犹 如 此
人 事 亦 宜 然。
托 根 非 其 所
不 如 遭 弃 捐。
昔 在 溪 中 日
花 叶 媚 清 涟。
今 来 不 得 地
樵 悴 府 门 前。
Jing Bei Fu Xin Zai Lian
Wu gou zhu zhuo shui
Shui shang ye tian tian.
Wo lai yi chang tan
Zhi shi dong xi lian.
Xia you qing nu wu
Xin siang wu fu quan.
Shang you hong chen pu
Yan se bu de xian.
Wu xing you ru ci
Ren shi yi yi ran.
Tuo gen fei qi suo
Bu ru zao qi juan.
Xi zai xi zhong ri
Hua ye mei qing lian.
Jin lai bu de di
Qiao cui fu men qian.
Jingzhao Prefecture Fresh Growing Lotus
Stagnant and muddy water
Lotus leaves above small cultivated fields.
I arrive and produce one long chant
Know of some lotus on small eastern streams.
Below have clear water and soft mud
Without their strong and pervasive fragrances.
On top, their leaves hold the red dust
Colors and expressions not fresh or bright.
Their essence and nature is to be like this
Also appropriate for people and other things.
Roots were not properly placed
Just like being abandoned to their suffering.
In former days eastern streams at mid-day
Attractive blossoms and leaves in the clear ripples.
Arriving now, this land not a good choice
Planted in front of a government office gate, turned ill and emaciated.
Notes:
Jingzhao: Located in the greater Chang’an area, present day Xi’an.
Commentary:
Bai Juyi is a lotus plant who has been planted in the wrong place. Lotus plants are often used as the metaphor for the Buddha, and for the philosophy of Buddhism.