“Discontent in Luxurious Garments”

In this poem, the speaker laments the disconnect between a ruler’s opulent lifestyle and the dire state of the nation. Using vivid imagery of luxurious clothing, the poem critiques the ruler’s neglect of state affairs while indulging in personal pleasures. The poem reflects the speaker’s deep frustration and concern for the country’s future.

The poem opens with a striking contrast between two types of garments worn by the ruler: a lambskin coat for leisure and a fox fur robe for official duties. This juxtaposition is not merely descriptive but laden with emotional and political implications.

Verse 1:

“Wearing a lambskin coat for leisure, wearing a fox fur robe for court. How can it not make people worry for you, spending their days in constant anxiety?”

Here, the poet contrasts the casual wear of lambskin with the formal fox fur, symbolizing the ruler’s disinterest in state matters. The luxurious garments signify indulgence and a carefree attitude, while the concern of the people reflects their anxiety over the ruler’s neglect.

Verse 2:

“Wearing a lambskin coat for strolling, wearing a fox fur robe for court. How can it not make people worry for you, thinking of the nation with constant sorrow?”

The repetition in this verse amplifies the sense of neglect and indulgence. The poet’s repeated observations emphasize the discrepancy between the ruler’s comfortable lifestyle and the critical state of the nation. The people’s worry is intensified by the ruler’s focus on personal pleasure rather than national well-being.

Verse 3:

“The lambskin coat shines like grease under the sun. How can it not make people worry for you, with heavy hearts unable to forget?”

In this verse, the poet describes the lambskin coat’s sheen, comparing it to grease. This imagery highlights the stark contrast between the ruler’s opulent appearance and the dire reality of the nation. The coat’s brilliance becomes a symbol of the ruler’s detachment from the suffering of his people.

Verse 4:

“How can you not think deeply, when your luxurious garments are so striking? The central theme is mourning.”

This concluding verse underscores the poet’s sorrow and frustration. The focus on the garments’ luxury serves as a metaphor for the ruler’s detachment from the nation’s plight. The poet’s deep concern and inability to forget the ruler’s negligence are poignantly conveyed through the imagery of the garments.

The poem employs a straightforward narrative style, devoid of the typical allegorical techniques found in traditional poetry. This direct approach reflects the poet’s urgent need to convey his message. The repetitive structure and vivid imagery of the garments effectively communicate the speaker’s profound discontent and anxiety.

Overall, the poem serves as a sharp critique of a ruler’s disregard for his duties, emphasizing the contrast between personal luxury and national responsibility. Through the detailed depiction of clothing and its symbolism, the poet vividly expresses his deep frustration and concern for the future of the country.