李商隐 《题小松》 translation

怜君孤秀植庭中，细叶轻阴满座风。

桃李盛时虽寂寞，雪霜多后始青葱。

一年几变枯荣事，百尺方资柱石功。

为谢西园车马客，定悲摇落尽成空。

This tiny pine, growing, outside, in the backyard.

This fondness of it, swelling, inside, in me.

(Nuanced: empathy, admiration, affinity)

It takes pride, of its quiet solitude, its exiled handsomeness,

by choice.

Unlike others, pear cherry alike, catering to

patronized vibrancy.

What is left over of them? After spring blossom, fall colorfulness.

It is winter frosted self pity.

For lack of glamor, this pine,

Sway its shades,

into fragrant breezes, midsommar.

My whole house, luxuriated, savoring smile.

I am this tree, this tree is me.

Seasoning, marinating, in letdowns and lonesomeness.

But,

We patiently, in the dark thickness, shadows.

slowly transformed into bright firmness, lights.

Holding up spaces for, self, others, marginalized bunch.

We watch, in still silence, others, pear cherry alike, wither in the changing wind.

Notes, after thoughts:

Saw this beautiful calligraphic work at Nabi’s room in Cole Valley, brought back from Taipei.

The poet, Li Shangying, 李商隱 is one of the most extraordinary writers in late Tang dynasty.

He is known for his allusive romanticism and innovative rhythming, spacing and structuring poetry style. His own “failed” striving for love, political fight and career is a reflection of the decaying and corruption of the Tang empire, and luckily for us, a source for creativity.

His poetry even inspired one of Pink Floyd’s songs, <Set the controls for the heart of the sun>.