قدوم الضيف / The Guest Arrives

قدوم الضيف / The Guest Arrives

A Guest Arrives

by Du Fu

South of my hut and north of my hut, all spring water—

I see only flocks of gulls arriving day after day.

The flower-strewn path has never been swept for a guest;

The wicker gate now opens for the first time for you.

The market is far—my plate holds no variety of dishes;

My home is poor—my jug holds only aged brew.

Would you care to drink face to face with the old man next door?

I'll call to him across the hedge and finish off the last cup.