画(huà)鸡(jī)

唐(tánɡ)寅(yín)〔明(mínɡ)代(dài)〕

头(tóu)上(shànɡ)红(hónɡ)冠(ɡuàn)不(bú)用(yònɡ)裁(cái)，

满(mǎn)身(shēn)雪(xuě)白(bái)走(zǒu)将(jiānɡ)来(lái)。

平(pínɡ)生(shēnɡ)不(bù)敢(ɡǎn)轻(qīnɡ)言(yán)语(yǔ)，

一(yì)叫(jiào)千(qiān)门(mén)万(wàn)户(hù)开(kāi)。(

Explanation of Ancient Chinese Poetry

The red comb on the chicken’s head does not need tailoring, for it is born that way;
Clad in snowy white feathers, it strides forward with pride.
Throughout its life, it dares not easily crow, but when it does,
The doors of thousands of households will open wide.

Annotations:

  • 裁 (Tailor/Cut): Here, it means to create or shape, but in the context of the poem, it implies that the red comb is naturally formed without human intervention.
  • 将 (Auxiliary Word): Used between a verb and a complement indicating direction, such as “come” or “go.”
  • 平生 (Usual/Ordinary Life): Refers to the usual or ordinary state of affairs.
  • 轻 (Casually/Easily): To do something without much thought or effort.
  • 言语 (Speech/Crowing): Here, it refers to the chicken’s crowing, metaphorically speaking or expressing an opinion.
  • 一 (Once): When, indicating a specific point in time or an occurrence.
  • 千门万户 (Thousands of Households): Refers to a large number of households.

Creative Background

“Painting a Chicken” is a poem inscribed by the poet in the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty for a painting he created of a large rooster.