The trick is, to live your days

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原文

The trick is, to live your days as if each one may be your last (for they go fast, and young men lose their lives in strange and unimaginable ways) but at the same time, plan long range (for they go slow; if you survive the shattered windshield and the bursting shell you will arrive at our approximation here below of heaven or hell). To be specific, between the peony and the rose plant squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes; beauty is nectar and nectar, in a desert, saves, but the stomach craves stronger sustenance than the honied vine. Therefore, marry a pretty girl after seeing her mother; Show your soul to one man, work with another; and always serve bread with your wine. But son, always serve wine.

翻訳

The key is to live each day as if it might be your last (because days pass quickly, and young men die in unexpected and unimaginable ways) but also, plan for the future (because time can move slowly; if you survive car accidents and explosions you will reach either a heaven or hell on earth). Specifically, between the peony and the rose plant vegetables like squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes; beauty is like nectar and nectar can save you in a desert, but your stomach needs more filling food than sweet vines. So, marry a pretty girl but first meet her mother; Reveal your true self to one person, work with someone else; and always serve bread with your wine. But son, always serve wine.

解説

This poem offers a blend of philosophical and practical advice on how to live a fulfilling life. It begins by suggesting that one should live each day as if it could be their last, highlighting the unpredictability and brevity of life. At the same time, it advises planning for the future, acknowledging that life can also be long and requires preparation. The poem uses the metaphor of planting both flowers and vegetables to illustrate the balance between appreciating beauty and ensuring practical sustenance. It suggests marrying wisely, showing one's true self selectively, and maintaining hospitality by serving bread with wine. The repeated emphasis on serving wine symbolizes the importance of enjoying life and sharing joy with others. Overall, the poem encourages a balanced approach to life, combining immediate enjoyment with long-term planning.

語彙辞典

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The trick is, to live your days — 詩 | Poetry Explainer