There's a gleam of green in an old bottle,
There's a stir of red in the quiet stove,
There's a feeling of snow in the dusk outside --
What about a cup of wine inside?
Original Poem:
「问刘十九」
白居易
绿蚁新醅酒，红泥小火炉。
晚来天欲雪，能饮一杯无？
Interpretation:
This poem was written around the 10th year of Yuanhe in the reign of Emperor Xianzong of Tang (815). At that time, Bai Juyi had been demoted to Jiangzhou Sima due to the failure of the "Yongzhen Reform." During his days away from the political center, he gradually shifted his focus to life itself, finding solace in everyday affairs. This poem, written in such a state of mind, paints a warm winter night invitation with a light and natural touch. With the fragrance of slightly intoxicating wine and the warmth of a small red clay stove, the poet sincerely invites his friend Liu Shijiu to share this rare moment of tranquility.
First Couplet: “绿蚁新醅酒，红泥小火炉。”
The freshly brewed rice wine bubbles with green froth, while the small red clay stove burns bright and warm.
This couplet depicts a cozy indoor scene. The newly brewed rice wine has a slight green hue with tiny bubbles floating on top, filling the air with its aroma. The red clay stove not only warms the room but also adds to the inviting atmosphere of the upcoming gathering. Through the contrast of colors—“green froth” and “red clay”—the poet paints a simple yet delightful picture, making one almost smell the wine and feel the warmth of the stove.
Second Couplet: “晚来天欲雪，能饮一杯无？”
As night falls, the sky hints at an impending snowfall. Would you come and share a warm cup of wine?
This couplet shifts from indoors to outdoors, from daytime to evening, where the approaching snow brings a sense of cold and solitude. Yet, instead of expressing loneliness outright, the poet subtly invites his friend with a question filled with anticipation. There is no deliberate embellishment or strong emotional outburst—just a simple "Would you have a cup of wine?"—which conveys deep friendship and poetic charm.
Overall Appreciation:
Though short, this poem is filled with a strong sense of life and warmth. The poet sketches a classic winter night drinking scene: a warm stove, freshly brewed wine, and snow soon to fall outside the window. However, the scene feels slightly incomplete due to the absence of his friend. Bai Juyi does not directly express loneliness but instead conveys his longing for companionship through a heartfelt invitation. This subtle yet profound affection makes the poem resonate even after a thousand years.
Writing Features:
- Vivid Colors and Strong Contrast: The juxtaposition of “green froth” and “red clay” enhances the visual impact and deepens the poem’s emotional appeal.
- Natural Language with a Conversational Tone: The closing line, "Would you have a cup of wine?" appears in the form of a question, making it approachable and rich in everyday charm, reflecting Bai Juyi’s accessible poetic style.
- Simple Imagery with Profound Emotion: With just a few words, the poet creates a warm winter atmosphere, expressing emotions subtly yet deeply, leaving a lasting impression.
Insights:
This poem reveals the poet’s attitude towards life amid his political exile: despite adversity, he still cherishes warmth and friendship. In reality, we all experience moments of solitude and hardship, but as Bai Juyi shows, a pot of warm wine, a glowing stove, and a friend’s presence can dispel the cold and bring comfort. This wisdom—finding beauty in the ordinary and expressing deep emotions in a simple way—is something we can all learn from in today’s fast-paced world.
Poem translator:
Kiang Kanghu
About the poet:
Bai Juyi (白居易), 772-846 AD, was originally from Taiyuan, then moved to Weinan in Shaanxi. Bai Juyi was the most prolific poet of the Tang Dynasty, with poems in the categories of satirical oracles, idleness, sentimentality, and miscellaneous rhythms, and the most influential poet after Li Bai Du Fu.
