The desert sand looks white as snow;
The crescent moon hangs like a bow.
When would the steed in golden gear
Gallop all night through autumn clear?
Original Poem:
「马诗 · 其五」
李贺
大漠沙如雪，燕山月似钩。
何当金络脑，快走踏清秋。
Interpretation:
This poem was written during a time of political turbulence in the Tang dynasty, around the periods of Zhenyuan and Yuanhe, which were marked by instability in the military governors' regions. Through this poem, the poet expresses his ambition to live freely and boldly on the frontier, while also conveying his desire and motivation to serve his country and achieve glory through military exploits.
First couplet: “大漠沙如雪，燕山月似钩。”
(The sand of the vast desert is as white as snow, and the moon over Yan Mountain is like a hook.)
These two lines describe the vast desert and the cold moonlight, creating a desolate yet magnificent image of the frontier. The similes of “sand like snow” and “moon like a hook” not only evoke the bleakness and chill of the frontier but also hint at the poet's inner longing and determination for battle. The hook-shaped moon seems to symbolize the sharpness and urgency of war.
Second couplet: “何当金络脑，快走踏清秋。”
(When will I wear the golden bridle, galloping swiftly through the clear autumn winds?)
These two lines, through the symbol of the "golden bridle," express the poet’s yearning for a warhorse and his expectation to gain military achievements through battle. The golden bridle represents honor and power, while "galloping through the clear autumn" conveys the poet’s ambition to charge across the vast frontier and earn a distinguished name through his victories.
Writing features:
The poet uses exquisite natural imagery and symbolic details to express his longing for a life on the frontier and his desire to serve his country and achieve military success. The expansive background, the desolate scenery, and the crescent moon not only depict the grandeur of the frontier but also resonate with the poet's inner passion and ambition. The use of natural elements as symbols enhances the emotional tension of the poem.
Overall analysis:
The entire poem, set against the backdrop of the vast desert and Yan Mountain in the northwest frontier, showcases the poet's lofty aspirations and enthusiasm for joining the army. The first couplet paints a picture of a challenging yet hopeful frontier landscape, while the second couplet reveals the poet's urgency and desire to gain honor and recognition through military achievements. This reflects his ambition not to live merely by writing, but to seek a more active and heroic life. The poem not only highlights the poet's longing for military glory but also depicts the close connection between personal fate and national destiny amid the turbulence of the times.
Insights:
This poem demonstrates the spirit of courage in pursuing ideals and serving the country. In the face of societal upheaval and personal challenges, the poet seeks breakthroughs through persistent effort and determination. This self-motivation and expression of ambition inspire us to remain true to our ideals and mission when facing difficulties and to courageously pursue our own goals.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Li He (李贺), circa 790 - 817, was a native of Luoyang, Henan Province, and a Romantic poet of the Middle Tang Dynasty.
