Lonely Pear Tree

Preface to "The Solitary Pear Tree": "The Solitary Pear Tree" is a poem satirizing current governance. The ruler could not be close to his own clan relatives, causing flesh and bone to scatter apart. (The poet) lives alone without brothers, about to be annexed by the state of Jin (the territory of Wo).

There is a solitary pear tree, its leaves so lush and glossy. I walk alone, utterly solitary. Are there truly no other people? Yet none are like my own brothers.

Alas, those travelers on the road—why do they not come near? If a man has no brothers, why do they not come to help?

There is a solitary pear tree, its leaves so verdant and dense. I walk alone, utterly forlorn. Are there truly no other people? Yet none are like my own clan kin.

Alas, those travelers on the road—why do they not come near? If a man has no brothers, why do they not come to help?

"The Solitary Pear Tree" has two stanzas, each of nine lines.