A hero may shed tears,
Not when parting with peers.
Sword in hand, he drinks wine,
Unlike roamers who pine.
When bitten by the snake,
He would have his wrist break.
With his career at heart,
He won't regret to part.
Original Poem:
「别离」
陆龟蒙
丈夫非无泪，不洒离别间。
杖剑对尊酒，耻为游子颜。
蝮蛇一螫手，壮士即解腕。
所志在功名，离别何足叹。
Interpretation:
"Parting" is a poem that expresses the heroic spirit of a man facing departure. The poet, through the portrayal of a "man" bidding farewell, emphasizes his determination and courage, showing that even in the face of separation, he remains resolute. The poem, written in an argumentative tone, highlights the man's lofty ambitions and the nobility of his purpose, depicting his bravery and resolve during parting.
First line:“丈夫非无泪，不洒离别间。”
(A man is not without tears, but he does not shed them during parting.)
This line directly counters the sentimental tears often associated with traditional farewell poetry, asserting that even though a man may have tears, he does not let them fall at the time of departure. It underscores the protagonist's strong will and unyielding character, portraying him as someone who faces challenges with stoic resolve.
Second line:“杖剑对尊酒，耻为游子颜。”
(With sword in hand, he drinks to the cup, ashamed to show sorrow as a traveler.)
In this scene, the protagonist is depicted as lifting his cup to drink, accompanied by his sword, an image of boldness and defiance. Instead of exhibiting weakness, he shows strength and heroic resolve, drinking to the journey ahead, reflecting his unwavering spirit. This emphasizes the grandiose and determined nature of the "man."
Third line:“蝮蛇一螫手，壮士即解腕。”
(When a viper strikes his hand, the warrior instantly severs his wrist.)
This line uses the metaphor of a viper’s bite to represent the protagonist’s readiness to face any difficulty. The idiom "蝮蛇螫手，壮士解腕" (when a viper bites the hand, the warrior severs his wrist) suggests that the man is prepared to sacrifice and make bold decisions without hesitation when faced with challenges. This highlights the hero’s courage and decisiveness in the pursuit of his goals.
Fourth line:“所志在功名，离别何足叹。”
(His ambitions lie in achieving fame and success, what is there to lament about parting?)
The concluding line reflects the protagonist's indomitable focus on his goals—his ambition to achieve greatness. To him, parting holds no sorrow because it pales in comparison to the grander pursuit of fame and accomplishment.
Writing Characteristics
- Vivid Characterization
The poet vividly characterizes the protagonist’s strong and steadfast nature, rejecting traditional sentiments of sorrow. The direct statement in the first line establishes a character who values honor and resolve above emotional display. - Display of Heroic Ambition
The second line, with the image of "杖剑对尊酒" (sword in hand, drinking from the cup), portrays the protagonist’s grandeur and heroism, not only expressing his ambitions but also reflecting the poet’s admiration for courage and moral integrity. - Effective Use of Metaphor and Idiom
The third line utilizes the metaphor of a viper’s bite to emphasize the protagonist's readiness to confront and overcome obstacles. The idiom "蝮蛇一螫手，壮士即解腕" powerfully conveys the theme of sacrifice and courage. - Combination of Argument and Emotion
Although the poem is primarily argumentative, it is rich in emotional depth. The poet, through his bold tone, powerfully conveys the protagonist's steadfast ideals and determination in the face of parting.
Overall Appreciation
"Farewell" stands apart from traditional farewell poetry by replacing sorrow with boldness and resolution. Through the portrayal of the "man," the poet expresses the protagonist's courage and self-determination in the face of separation. The poem does not indulge in sentimental emotion but instead uses strong argumentation and vivid metaphors to portray a hero who faces life’s challenges with a clear focus on his greater ambitions. This direct and concise approach makes the emotions of parting deeper and more resilient. The poem's powerful tone and unwavering resolve highlight the noble spirit of striving for one’s ideals.
Inspiration
This poem teaches us that when facing separation, we do not need to dwell in sorrow. Instead, we should channel our determination and ideals to drive us forward, confronting future challenges with courage. By staying true to our goals and maintaining unwavering belief, we can overcome any obstacle in our pursuit of greatness.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Lu Guimeng (陆龟蒙), ? - 881 A.D., Tang Dynasty agronomist and literary scholar, native of Wu County, Jiangsu Province. He was a member of the staff of the assassins of Huzhou and Suzhou, and later lived in seclusion in Fuli, Songjiang, and his poems are mostly about scenery and objects.
