Book of Songs
Jiu Mu · The Bending Tree
Anonymous
南有樛木
葛藟累之
乐只君子
福履绥之
南有樛木
葛藟荒之
乐只君子
福履将之
南有樛木
葛藟萦之
乐只君子
福履成之
Translation
In the south there is a bending tree; creeping vines climb and layer upon it. Joyful is the noble man; blessing and good fortune settle him in peace. In the south there is a bending tree; creeping vines cover it richly. Joyful is the noble man; blessing and good fortune support him. In the south there is a bending tree; creeping vines wind around it. Joyful is the noble man; blessing and good fortune bring him to fulfillment.
Analysis
"Jiu Mu" is a blessing poem from the "Zhou Nan" section of the Book of Songs. It begins with a natural image: a tree with downward-bending branches, covered and entwined by creeping vines. From this image, the poem moves into repeated blessings for a noble man. The "bending tree" is important because its lowered branches allow vines to attach and grow around it. The vine does not appear as something destructive here. It suggests attachment, abundance, and harmonious support. The repeated phrase "Joyful is the noble man" presents the human subject of the blessing. The poem does not narrate his actions; it celebrates his blessed state. The three endings form a progression. Blessing and good fortune first "settle him in peace," then "support him," then "bring him to fulfillment." This movement gives the poem more than simple repetition. The blessing becomes deeper and more complete with each stanza. The poem's beauty lies in its gentle structure. Its rhythm feels like an ancient ceremonial song of goodwill.
About the Author
"Jiu Mu" comes from the "Zhou Nan" section of the "Airs of the States" in the Book of Songs. Its author is unknown. The Book of Songs is the earliest anthology of Chinese poetry, containing more than three hundred poems from roughly the early Western Zhou to the mid-Spring and Autumn period. The "Zhou Nan" poems often concern love, marriage, household life, ritual, and blessing. "Jiu Mu" is a concise example of a blessing poem, using the image of vines growing around a bending tree to express wishes for peace, support, and fulfillment.