Yellow clouds spread for miles and miles have veiled the day;
The north wind blows down snow and wild geese fly away.
Fear not you've no admirers as you go along.
There is no connoisseur on earth but loves your song.
Original Poem:
「别董大二首 · 其一」
高适
千里黄云白日曛，北风吹雁雪纷纷。
莫愁前路无知己，天下谁人不识君。
Interpretation:
This poem was written by Gao Shi to Dong Tinglan (Dong Da), a famous musician in the Tang Dynasty, possibly a zither virtuoso during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong. Gao Shi, at the time of writing this poem, was struggling in a period of personal hardship, poverty, and disillusionment. In contrast, Dong Da was already a well-known figure in the artistic world. Gao Shi’s poem expresses both his care and encouragement to his friend while showcasing his own generous and broad-minded character.
First Couplet
“千里黄云白日曛，北风吹雁雪纷纷。”
A thousand miles away, yellow clouds cover the sky, and the sun is dim. The northern wind blows the wild geese southward, and snowflakes fall in abundance.
These two lines vividly depict a scene in early winter in the northern regions of China. The yellow clouds obscure the sky, the sun is dimmed, and the cold northern wind blows the geese away while snow falls heavily. This creates a bleak and desolate atmosphere, symbolizing the poet’s sorrow and melancholy about the impending farewell. The imagery of the snowstorm and wild geese highlights the feeling of separation, portraying a sense of desolation and struggle.
Second Couplet
“莫愁前路无知己，天下谁人不识君。”
Don’t worry about not having a true friend ahead on your path; who in the world doesn’t know you, Dong Tinglan?
These two lines are a comforting message to Dong Da, urging him not to worry about facing a future without close companions. The poet reassures Dong Da that his talent and reputation are so well-known that he will always have people who recognize him and his worth, no matter where he goes. This encouragement is given in an uplifting, confident tone, conveying optimism and urging Dong Da to be confident and courageous in his future endeavors.
Writing Features
The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a bold and heroic tone. The poet uses vivid, direct imagery to express both his concern and encouragement for his friend. The first couplet, describing the harsh natural scenery, sets a melancholic and desolate mood, while the second couplet provides a strong, supportive message of encouragement. The simplicity and strength of the language reflect the poet’s open-heartedness and his desire to uplift his friend with genuine, unadorned words. The use of imagery such as the yellow clouds and falling snow enhances the emotional impact, providing both a visual and emotional connection to the feelings of departure.
Overall Appreciation
Farewell to Dong Da is a vivid example of the heroic and bold style of poetry during the Tang Dynasty. Through the combination of nature imagery and sincere words of encouragement, Gao Shi expresses both the sorrow of separation and a sense of optimism for the future. The opening scene, full of desolate beauty, captures the sorrow of parting, while the latter half lifts the spirit with a confident and empowering message. This poem not only embodies the grandeur of Tang poetry but also reveals the poet's strong and hopeful character.
Inspiration
This poem teaches us that when facing life’s difficulties and challenges, we should have confidence in the future and strive for our ideals. No matter how uncertain the road ahead may seem, the support and encouragement of friends and loved ones can provide us with strength and hope. It reminds us that true friendship is not just a comfort in difficult times, but a source of inspiration, helping us move forward toward greater achievements.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Gao Shi (高适), 706 - 765 AD, was a native of Jing County, Hebei Province. In his early years, his family was poor, and he was disappointed in his career. He was famous for his border poems, which are not only numerous and wide in subject matter, but also present a unique style and perspective.
