In snow our men did fight,
Half of them died at night.
But letters came next day:
Winter clothes on the way.
Original Poem:
「塞下曲」
许浑
夜战桑乾北，秦兵半不归。
朝来有乡信，犹自寄寒衣。
Interpretation:
Xu Hun’s short but powerful frontier poem was written during an era of frequent warfare. Using highly concise language, the poet captures the brutality of war and the suffering endured by soldiers and their families. The Sanggan River, located in modern-day Hebei and Shanxi, was a critical geographical point in ancient border defense. Set against the backdrop of a nighttime battle in this region, the poem reveals the tragic nature of war through a microcosmic lens.
First Couplet: “夜战桑乾北，秦兵半不归。”
(A nighttime battle north of the Sanggan River claimed the lives of half the Qin soldiers, who would never return home.)
In just ten words, the poet vividly depicts the horrors of a nighttime battle, using stark narrative language. The phrase "half will not return" is blunt and heartrending, exposing the cruel reality that many soldiers would never make it back to their loved ones. This objective and unembellished description avoids overt emotion, but its cold tone magnifies the sense of sorrow, presenting the devastating impact of war on individual lives.
Second Couplet: “朝来有乡信，犹自寄寒衣。”
(The next morning, a letter arrives from home, saying warm clothes have been sent for him.)
Shifting from the carnage of the battle to the tenderness of a family letter, the contrast between the two halves amplifies the poem’s tragic effect. The soldier's family still worries about his well-being and sends winter clothes, unaware that he has already perished in the battlefield. This juxtaposition of familial care and the cold reality of death creates a poignant tension, highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the mercilessness of war.
Writing Features:
- Contrasting Structure: The poem is divided into two parts: the first depicts the brutality of war, while the second describes the warmth of familial care. The stark contrast between death and love generates a powerful emotional impact.
- Plain Narration: Without ornate language or explicit commentary, the poem uses straightforward descriptions of events to subtly critique war and express concern for human life.
- Microcosmic Perspective: By focusing on the sacrifice of one soldier and the delayed arrival of a letter, the poem reflects the widespread tragedy of countless families torn apart by war, making it both representative and universally relatable.
Overall Appreciation:
Despite its brevity, "A Night Battle North of the Sanggan River" uses highly condensed language to deeply explore the cruelty of war and its unfeeling nature. The juxtaposition of the battle’s tragedy and the family letter evokes profound emotional resonance, making the loss of life and the futility of war painfully evident. While the poem refrains from direct moralization, its implicit stance against the destruction of war is clear, demonstrating a reverence for life and a yearning for peace.
Insights:
War not only destroys the lives of soldiers but also leaves countless families in pain and despair. Through simple yet powerful narration, this poem reveals the absurdity of war and the fragility of human life. It invites reflection on the devastating consequences of conflict and the value of peace. By focusing on individual loss and familial love, the poem conveys timeless truths that continue to resonate deeply.
About the poet:
Xu Hun (许浑), c. 791 - 858 AD, was a Tang Dynasty poet, a native of Danyang, Jiangsu Province. He was one of the most influential poets of the Late Tang Dynasty. His poems are characterized by nostalgia for ancient times and idyllic poems, in which he describes the scenery of water and rain.
