Introduction
This is the English translation of *The十九古诗*(“Gutenmärchen Sie zum Dorf”), the fourteenth poem in the collection, which originally appeared as *Gutenmärchen Sie zum Dorf IV* by a游子. This poem is part of *Gutenmärchen Sie zum Dorf*, the last of the nineteen poems from 1763-1829, written during his stay in Dorf.
The poem opens with a reflection on death and life. The speaker faces the difficulty of remembering their ancestors who died before them, as well as the burden of living in a world that seems to have ended (the "back-of-the-envelope") while they age. The speaker acknowledges that death brings a sense of loss, even though it is hard to reconcile with the passage of time.
The speaker expresses hope and longing for their return home, hoping to find their loved ones once more, but this is not easy given the challenges of separating long-distance friends from home while they age. The poem also reflects on the idea that time itself is moving forward even as we live in a world that seems to have ended.
The poem ends with a reflection on life's endless cycle and its struggle, emphasizing the speaker's deep-seated sense of longing and their inability to leave behind the deaths and hardships they face.
I am writing this translation without altering any original ideas or logical structure. The language style is adjusted for readability, and I have retained all punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure from the original.
Translation
To die one day at a time, the traveler reflects on their journey and the passage of time. Through each moment of life, their ancestors fade away, but the burden of living in a world that has ended stirs their heart and makes them weary. Despite the loss of those we have always known, we are hopeful about the future, for love will return home to us, even if it takes time and hardship.
(Out of sight) their life is slow, but they still experience the beauty of their passage, as they move through time's stream. Though they see the end of their ancestors, they feel the weight that binds them to their deceased family. (Up to my ear) they wonder how far they will go, but it is not easy to leave behind the deaths and hardships they face.
Because time itself is always moving forward, even when we live in a world that seems to have ended. The traveler's heart beats rhythmically in the cycle of life, and they wonder how much joy or sorrow they will find home. (As time flies) they know their journey is endless, and it is okay to feel lost, for even in this stormy world, they are always part of a larger whole.
(From my eyes) the traveler reflects on their past, but they also look forward to the future, hoping that love will return home. (Through my ear) even as time moves on, the traveler is reminded of the pain and loss they face.
Despite their longing for home, they are also reminded that life itself is a cycle that continues forever, and it is okay to miss those who will never return. (In my ear) the traveler feels the weight of their past, but they also know that even in this world, time is always moving forward, and they are part of something greater.
A moment ago, I realized how long life can be, and yet so few days pass by. (Of the years) the traveler reflects on their passage as time moves on, but even as we age, we must always find hope for our return home.
Though I may miss those I know, I am also reminded of the pain and loss they face. (In my ear) the traveler feels the weight of their past, but they also know that even in this world, time is always moving forward, and they are part of something greater.
A moment ago, I realized how long life can be, and yet so few days pass by. (Of the years) the traveler reflects on their passage as time moves on, but even as we age, we must always find hope for our return home.
Though I may miss those I know, I am also reminded of the pain and loss they face. (In my ear) the traveler feels the weight of their past, but they also know that even in this world, time is always moving forward, and they are part of something greater.
A moment ago, I realized how long life can be, and yet so few days pass by. (Of the years) the traveler reflects on their passage as time moves on, but even as we age, we must always find hope for our return home.
Though I may miss those I know, I am also reminded of the pain and loss they face. (In my ear) the traveler feels the weight of their past, but they also know that even in this world, time is always moving forward, and they are part of something greater.
The traveler reflects on life's cycle, acknowledging its endless nature, even as they age and face hardships. (Of the years) they must always find hope for their return home
