Autumn Thoughts (Tian Jing Sha · Autumn Thoughts)

By Ma Zhiyuan (Yuan Dynasty)

Original Poem

Withered vines cling to old trees, where crows gather at dusk.
A small bridge, a flowing stream, and quiet homes.
An old road, the autumn wind, and a thin horse.
The setting sun sinks in the west.
A lonely traveler stands far from home, heartbroken.

Simple English

Withered vines wrap around old trees as crows return at dusk.
Beside a small bridge, a gentle stream flows past peaceful homes.
On an old road, the autumn wind blows while a thin horse carries a traveler.
The sun slowly sets.
Far from home, the traveler deeply misses home.

One-Sentence Meaning

As the sun sets, a traveler far from home looks at the autumn scenery and longs for home.