In front of the Kongming Temple stands an ancient cypress tree,

Its branches resembling bronze, roots firm as stone.

Its bark smooth and white, glistening after rain,

Its towering figure reaches two thousand feet high.

Emperor and minister meet again in the course of time,

The trees, still cherished by people to this day.

Clouds come, merging with mist in the gorge,

Moon rises, cold light illuminates the snowy mountains.

Recalling the path around Jin Pavilion to the east,

The temple of the late lord and the martial temple of the wise man.

The ancient cypress branches and trunks are ancient and primitive,

The temple’s deep and beautiful red painting, empty doors and windows.

Though towering and occupying a place, solitary and aloof,

It withstands fierce winds due to its stature.

Supported by divine power itself,

Its integrity originates from the work of nature.

Like a collapsing building needing beams and columns,

As heavy as Qiu Shan, even ten thousand oxen could not move it.

Not revealing its literary brilliance, it has already surprised the world,

Not refusing to be cut down, who else can send it away?

Its bitter heart is hard to avoid small ants,

Its fragrant leaves have been a habitat for thousands of years.

Don’t blame the world, my friend, for its noble history,

Since ancient times, talents have always been difficult to use.

Expanded Explanation for American Readers

In front of the Kongming Temple in ancient China stands a venerable cypress tree, its presence a testament to centuries of history and reverence. This majestic tree, described by the poet Du Fu during the Tang Dynasty, captivates with its bronze-like branches and roots that seem hewn from stone. Its smooth, white bark glistens in the rain, a stark contrast against its towering height of two thousand feet.

Legend intertwines with reality as Du Fu muses on the enduring symbolism of this ancient tree. He reflects on the reunions of emperors and ministers over time, drawing parallels to the lasting legacy of the cypress, still cherished and protected by locals and pilgrims alike. Clouds drift in, blending with mist around the temple, echoing the ancient allure of the Kongming Temple nestled amidst China’s natural wonders.

The poet reminisces about his own path, winding around the Jin Pavilion to the east, where the spirits of historical figures like Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, known as the late lord and the wise man, linger. The cypress tree stands sentinel, its branches reaching into the heavens, a living witness to the events and wisdom that have shaped the region.

Du Fu’s verses celebrate not just the physical grandeur of the cypress but its metaphorical strength as well. He likens its resilience against the elements to the moral fortitude and divine support that sustains it through the ages. The tree’s integrity, he suggests, is a reflection of the natural order, a stoic presence amidst the changing tides of history.

Furthermore, the poet draws parallels between the cypress and the architectural stability of ancient buildings, emphasizing its symbolic weight akin to that of a mountain. This comparison underscores the tree’s immovable stature and the profound impact it has on those who encounter its enduring presence.

Yet, despite its monumental presence, Du Fu notes the cypress’s modesty. Unlike flowering plants that boast vibrant colors, the cypress quietly commands respect through its simplicity and longevity. Its fragrant leaves, known for attracting mythical birds like the phoenix, symbolize not just its physical beauty but also its spiritual significance.

The poet concludes with a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by those of great talent and virtue, drawing a parallel between the cypress’s stoicism and the struggles faced by individuals who strive to make a meaningful impact. He suggests that just as the cypress withstands fierce winds due to its stature, individuals must also endure hardships with resilience and integrity.

This expanded explanation helps American readers appreciate the poem’s historical context, vivid natural scenes, and underlying philosophical themes, making the ancient Chinese poem more accessible and resonant.

By using simple language and clear explanations, this expansion aims to bridge the cultural and historical gap, making the profound reflections of Du Fu and Li Qip more relatable and understandable for a modern American audience.