Letters can't pass over thousands of mountains and streams.
How much I thank you for you have sent me your dreams.
I'm sorry that in illness I can't tell old friends from new;
I dream of indifferent people, but not you.
Original Poem:
「酬乐天频梦微之」
元稹
山水万重书断绝，念君怜我梦相闻。
我今因病魂颠倒，唯梦闲人不梦君。
Interpretation:
In the 12th year of Emperor Xianzong’s Yuanhe reign (817 CE), Yuan Zhen was exiled to Tongzhou, while Bai Juyi was demoted to Jiangzhou. Separated by vast distances, communication between the two became nearly impossible. Bai Juyi first sent a poem expressing the pain of their separation and the deep connection they shared through dreams. Yuan Zhen responded with this poem, not only reciprocating his friend’s heartfelt emotions but also conveying his own feelings of helplessness, illness, and exile.
First Couplet: "山水万重书断绝，念君怜我梦相闻。"
"Across mountains and rivers, letters are severed; yet, thinking of you, I find solace in dreams."
These lines vividly capture the difficulty of their situation after being exiled to distant regions. The imagery of mountains and rivers symbolizes the physical barriers between them, making communication nearly impossible. Yuan Zhen gracefully transitions from Bai Juyi’s mention of dreams, using this shared experience to acknowledge and reciprocate his friend’s care and longing.
Second Couplet: "我今因病魂颠倒，唯梦闲人不梦君。"
"When I was ill, it felt as though you appeared by my bedside; this morning, you once again walked through my dreams."
The second couplet shifts from dreams to reality, blending the two in a poignant expression of longing. While Yuan Zhen lies ill and unable to connect with his friend in person, the dream becomes a fleeting but cherished moment of reunion. The sorrow of waking to reality underscores the emotional depth of their separation, leaving a lingering sense of melancholy.
Key Features of the Poem
- Ingenious Structure:
The poem revolves around the shared motif of dreams, seamlessly intertwining them with the realities of exile. By merging dream and reality, the poet layers his emotions, creating a profound and nuanced portrayal of friendship and longing. - Plain Yet Evocative Style:
Employing minimal embellishment, Yuan Zhen uses straightforward language to depict the vast separation and fleeting dream encounters. This simplicity magnifies the authenticity of his emotions, leaving an enduring impact. - Harmony in Response:
As a response poem, Yuan Zhen adheres to the rules of poetic correspondence, mirroring Bai Juyi’s themes while infusing his unique voice. This delicate balance demonstrates Yuan Zhen’s literary craftsmanship and deep respect for his friend.
Overall Appreciation
Although concise, this poem carries profound emotion and rich meaning. The first couplet conveys the desolation of being unable to communicate due to geographic separation, while the second couplet uses dreams as a bridge to express the enduring bond between the two friends. Despite being exiled to distant lands, their hearts remain connected, underscoring the resilience of their friendship. The imagery of endless mountains, rivers, and ephemeral dreams not only reflects their reality but also serves as a metaphor for the poet’s internal struggles and the solace found in their connection.
Takeaways
This poem reveals the enduring power of genuine friendship in the face of adversity. Yuan Zhen and Bai Juyi transcended physical barriers through their poetic exchanges, demonstrating the unique charm of Tang-era literary correspondence. Their unwavering bond and the emotional depth of their poetry remind us to cherish friendships, stay true to our hearts, and find beauty and strength even in life’s most challenging moments.
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”.
