The crickets' chirp breaks twilight late;
In the West Wood I meditate.
I hear a shower cold which grieves,
But outdoors I see fallen leaves.
The capital's weal and woe wake
Our dream to float on Dongting Lake.
Sink or swim, you will go your way;
You won't come back but go astray,
Original Poem:
「秋寄从兄贾岛」
无可
螟虫喧暮色，默思坐西林。
听雨寒更彻，开门落叶深。
昔因京邑病，并起洞庭心。
亦是吾兄事，迟回共至今。
Interpretation:
Wu Ke was a Tang dynasty monk and the younger cousin of the poet Jia Dao. The two shared a deep bond, as both had once taken monastic vows. While Jia Dao eventually returned to secular life, Wu Ke remained at Xilin Temple on Mount Lu. This poem was written during Wu Ke’s autumn residence at the temple, expressing his deep yearning for his elder cousin and offering subtle advice to let go of worldly pursuits and find solace in a simpler life.
First Couplet:“螟虫喧暮色，默思坐西林。”
(As dusk falls, the chirping of insects fills the air; I sit in quiet contemplation at Xilin Temple.)
This couplet sets the scene with the tranquil yet melancholic atmosphere of dusk. The juxtaposition of the noisy insects with the poet's silent meditation reflects his solitary state of mind and the poignant longing he feels for his absent cousin.
Second Couplet:“听雨寒更彻，开门落叶深。”
(Throughout the cold night, I listen to the rain, only to find the courtyard thick with fallen leaves when I open the door at dawn.)
Here, the poet captures the solitude of a late autumn night with vivid sensory imagery. The sound of falling leaves mistaken for rain highlights his heightened sensitivity to his surroundings, mirroring his inner turmoil. The "fallen leaves" serve not only as a symbol of the season but also as a metaphor for life's transience and the longing for a return to one's roots.
Third Couplet:“昔因京邑病，并起洞庭心。”
(Once, weary from the struggles in the capital, you longed to retreat to the serenity of Dongting Lake.)
This couplet reminisces about the past, referencing Jia Dao’s discontent and struggles in Chang’an, where his repeated failures to achieve recognition left him disillusioned. The mention of "illness" metaphorically conveys the emotional and physical toll of his frustrations, paired with a yearning to escape worldly strife.
Fourth Couplet:“亦是吾兄事，迟回共至今。”
(Yet, this path remains your choice, lingering still and delaying retreat to this day.)
The poet laments Jia Dao’s continued entanglement in the pursuit of official recognition and worldly gains. With candid yet affectionate words, he expresses regret and encourages his cousin to abandon these futile pursuits and embrace a peaceful existence.
Writing Characteristics:
- Emotion Embedded in Scenery: The poet intertwines natural imagery with personal sentiments, as seen in the blending of the chirping insects, falling rain, and autumn leaves with his longing and reflections.
- Contrast and Juxtaposition: Dynamic and static elements, such as the insects’ chatter and the poet’s stillness, create a striking contrast that enhances the mood. Similarly, the confusion between rain and leaves amplifies the poet’s introspective solitude.
- Symbolism and Depth: The imagery of "fallen leaves" not only depicts seasonal change but also symbolizes the human desire to return to one’s origins, underscoring the poem’s philosophical undertones.
- Layered Structure: The poem progresses from setting a quiet autumnal mood to reminiscing about the past and expressing heartfelt reflections, achieving a seamless blend of scenery and sentiment.
Overall Appreciation:
This poem vividly portrays the serene yet desolate atmosphere of an autumn night at Xilin Temple. Through the motif of falling leaves, the poet intertwines his longing for Jia Dao with philosophical musings on life’s impermanence and the yearning to find peace. The latter half transitions to heartfelt memories and subtle admonishment, blending introspection and advice. The poem’s emotional depth and harmonious integration of imagery and sentiment make it a standout piece among Tang dynasty poetry.
Inspiration:
The poem reminds us of the transient nature of life and the value of finding inner peace amidst the chaos of worldly pursuits. By using the imagery of “fallen leaves returning to their roots,” Wu Ke highlights the importance of cherishing familial bonds and embracing simplicity. It encourages reflection on whether our pursuits bring us closer to contentment or further away from our true selves.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Wu Wu (无可), a Tang Dynasty poet-monk, a native of Zhuozhou (涿), Hebei Province, became a monk when he was a teenager, and tried to live with Jia Dao at Qinglong Temple, where he later went on to travel around..
