“Frost and Folly”
January brought frost covering the ground, filling my heart with sorrow. The people are in turmoil, and rumors are spreading far and wide. Alone, I grieve for this world, my worries persist and haunt me. Pity those who live in fear, as anxiety turns into unbearable illness. My parents bore me in unfortunate times; why must I suffer misfortune? Misery strikes neither early nor late, but falls upon me just now. Good words are spoken from the mouth, yet bad words also come from it. Constant anxiety out of sync with the times, leads to humiliation and slander. Melancholy fills my heart, and I realize I am not destined for good fortune.
Common people are innocent, yet they become slaves at the bottom. If our nation falls, where will we seek fame and fortune? Look at the crow coming to rest, whose house will it land upon? The distant woods form a dense expanse, the large and small trees only fit for firewood. The people are in distress, and heaven seems unaware. If destiny is determined, no one can resist it effectively. The supreme deity, so wise, whom does he hate, please tell us? People say the hills are low, but they are actually peaks and ridges. Rumors spread among the populace, how can they not be controlled?
The old ministers are summoned to interpret dreams. They all claim to be the most accurate, but who can distinguish male and female crows? People say the sky is high, yet I fear hitting my waist against it. People say the earth is thick, yet I fear sinking into it. Shouting these words aloud, they are reasonable and not fabricated. It makes me sad about today’s people, why are they as venomous as snakes? Look at the fields on the hillside, the crops grow lush and tall. Heaven torments me like this, fearing I won’t be defeated. When the court sought me, they feared I would refuse. After obtaining me, they neglected and didn’t rely on me. My sorrow runs deep and long, like a knotted rope that cannot be untied.
Today’s politics are truly hard to understand, why is it becoming more violent? When a great fire rages, can anyone put it out? The illustrious Zhou dynasty, yet Baosi destroyed it. Sadness fills my heart constantly, worsened by the dreary rainy days. The carriage is fully loaded, yet the carriage boards are removed. When the goods fall off, only then does the elder brother come to help. Do not discard the boards of the carriage, reinforce the spokes securely. Regularly check the axle and fittings, and ensure the cargo is safely loaded. This way, we can overcome difficulties, don’t take this matter lightly.
Fish live in ponds, not for their enjoyment. Even if they hide deep, the clear water still reveals them. Worries fill my heart endlessly, considering the brutal governance. He has fine wine, aromatic and rich, and feasts on mountain delicacies. His relations with neighbors and in-laws are harmonious and strong. Yet, I am alone, feeling melancholy and sorrowful. Mean-spirited people have grand houses, while the incompetent have ample grain. Today’s common people are poor and without status, suffering from natural disasters with no aid. The rich families have joy and laughter, but the poor are left in loneliness and distress.
Analysis and Cultural Context
The poem portrays a scholar-official who, despite his talents and political insight, finds himself neglected and ostracized by the ruling class. Initially valued for his abilities (“彼求我则，如不我得”), he is later marginalized and slandered (“执我仇仇，亦不我力”). The protagonist laments the plight of the common people and the country’s precarious state, reflecting his deep sense of duty and concern for the nation. However, his efforts to address these issues are thwarted by petty officials and corrupt rulers.
The poem begins with a vivid depiction of the harsh winter frost, symbolizing the bleak and sorrowful state of the poet’s heart. This imagery sets the tone for the subsequent verses, which delve into the chaotic state of the nation, marked by rampant rumors and a lack of order. The poet’s isolation and sorrow are poignantly conveyed through his reflections on the injustice and futility he faces.
Throughout the poem, there are references to the political turmoil and the failure of the ruling class to govern wisely. The metaphor of the crow landing on someone’s house suggests impending doom or misfortune. The poet’s despair is further emphasized by the analogy of dense woods and firewood, symbolizing the widespread suffering of the people and the rulers’ ignorance of their plight.
The poem also critiques the reliance on superstitions and false interpretations of dreams by the ruling class, highlighting their detachment from the real issues affecting the nation. The poet’s frustration is palpable as he questions the supposed wisdom of the rulers and the baseless confidence of those who interpret omens and dreams.
As the poem progresses, it shifts to a more personal reflection on the poet’s own misfortune and the broader societal decay. The imagery of the carriage losing its boards and the subsequent call for reinforcement symbolizes the need for stability and careful governance. The poet emphasizes the importance of meticulous care and attention to detail in managing the state, contrasting this with the neglect and incompetence he observes.
The final stanzas of the poem depict the stark contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor. While the wealthy enjoy their prosperity, the common people suffer in silence, facing natural disasters and lacking support. The poet’s empathy for the suffering masses is evident, as is his disdain for the corrupt officials who thrive at the expense of the populace.
In conclusion, the poem serves as a poignant critique of the political and social conditions of the time, reflecting the poet’s deep-seated concern for his country and its people. It captures the frustration, sorrow, and helplessness of a scholar-official who, despite his abilities and intentions, is unable to effect meaningful change in the face of systemic corruption and mismanagement. Through its vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the poem conveys a timeless message about the consequences of neglecting the well-being of the common people and the importance of just and effective governance.