A happy rain on a spring night
[Tang Dynasty] Du Fu
Good rain knows the season, and spring will happen.
Sneak into the night with the wind, moisturizing things silently.
The wild paths are all dark with clouds, but the river boats are only bright with fire.
Looking at the red and wet place at dawn, the flowers are heavy on the official city.
Translation
Good rain seems to choose the right time to fall in the spring when all things emerge.
Accompanied by the gentle breeze, quietly enter the night. Finely and densely, it nourishes all things on the earth.
Thick dark clouds cover the fields and paths, and little lights flicker on the fishing boats on the river.
Look at the flowers with dew tomorrow morning. Chengdu will be full of flowers.
Notes
⑴ is: just.
⑵Occurrence: Promote plant growth.
⑶Qian (qián): secretly, quietly. This refers to the spring rain coming quietly with the wind at night.
⑷Moisten things: Make plants nourished by rainwater.
⑸Wild path: a country road.
⑹ Xiao: At dawn.
⑺Red and wet areas: flowers moistened by rain.
⑻Flower weight (zhòng): The flowers look plump and heavy due to the rain.
(9)Jinguancheng: Another name for Chengdu.