Don't let the songstress sing my songs anew!
Most of them are farewell poems for you.
Tomorrow again we'll part by riverside,
Alas! At moonset when outflows the tide.
Original Poem:
「重赠乐天」
元稹
休遣玲珑唱我诗，我诗多是别君词。
明朝又向江头别，月落潮平是去时。
Interpretation:
"Parting Again with Bai Juyi" is a seven-character quatrain written by Yuan Zhen, recording his emotions and the scene of parting from his close friend, Bai Juyi. The poem expresses the poet’s deep feelings of reluctance and sorrow through the description of the current situation and the impending moment of farewell.
First line:“休遣玲珑唱我诗。”
(Do not let Linglong sing my poems anymore.)
This opening directly draws readers into the scene of parting. The poet does not wish to hear the farewell songs, as they deepen the sorrow and make it harder to part.
Second line:“多是别时情绪词。”
(Most of the songs are emotional verses written during our partings.)
The poet explains why he does not want to hear the farewell songs, as they recall the emotions of past separations, evoking painful memories and making him feel even more sorrowful.
Third line:“明朝又向江头别。”
(Tomorrow morning, we will part again at the river’s edge.)
The poet shifts to the future, imagining the upcoming separation. The word "again" emphasizes the repeated nature of their farewells, and the specific mention of the "river’s edge" makes the scene more vivid and the emotions more intense.
Fourth line:“月落潮平是去时。”
(When the moon sets and the tide is low, it will be time to part.)
The poet concludes with a scene of nature—moon setting and the tide turning. The natural imagery of the moon and tide intimately connects with the time of departure, intensifying the poet's reluctance and making the moment of separation feel inevitable.
Writing Characteristics
- Natural Language and Sincere Emotion
The poem uses colloquial language, with delicate and sincere emotions expressed. Through direct address and rhetorical devices, the poet gradually intensifies the feelings of parting. - Clever Structure and Clear Emotional Progression
The poem starts with the current scene, gradually transitions to the imagined future separation, and concludes with the setting of the moon and tide. This progression captures the depth of emotion and makes the sentiment feel more vivid. - Rhythmic Repetition and Emotional Resonance
The use of repetition, such as "多" (many) and "别" (parting), as well as "又" (again) and "别" (parting), creates a rhythmic echo that enhances both the sound and emotional impact of the poem. It reflects the endless sorrow of repeated goodbyes and leaves a lingering impression.
Overall Appreciation
This poem is simple in language but profound in emotion. Through the singing of poems by Linglong, the imagined scenes of parting, and the natural imagery, the poet vividly expresses his deep sorrow about the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of human connections. Each line, from “休遣” to “月落,” tightly focuses on the theme of parting, with a smooth flow of emotions. The poem ends with a natural image, making the feelings of farewell unspoken yet clear, leaving the reader with a deep emotional resonance that lingers in the mind.
Inspiration
The poem, with its simple language and rhythmic flow, demonstrates profound emotion and reminds us to cherish the moments we share with friends. In modern life, as people often part due to various reasons, this reflection on parting and the feelings of reluctance still resonates. It encourages us to consider and value the significance of every gathering and reunion.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Yuan Zhen (元稹), 779-831 A.D., was a native of Luoyang, Henan Province, who was poor in his early years, but later became an official and finally died of a violent illness. He was friendly with Bai Juyi and often sang with him, and was known as “Yuan Bai”.
