Sailing far off from Ching-men Ferry,
Soon you will be with people in the south,
Where the mountains end and the plains begin
And the river winds through wilderness.
The moon is lifted like a mi rror,
Sea-clouds gleam l i ke palaces,
And the water has brought you a touch of home
To draw your boat three hundred miles.
Original Poem
「渡荆门送别」
李白
渡远荆门外，来从楚国游。
山随平野尽，江入大荒流。
月下飞天镜，云生结海楼。
仍怜故乡水，万里送行舟。
Interpretation
This poem was composed around 730 AD, when Li Bai left the Shu region and traveled east along the Yangtze River, passing through Jingmen. Jingmen is the gateway where the Yangtze River enters the Jianghan Plain, with the towering mountains on both banks gradually receding and the river broadening, creating a magnificent landscape. As a young poet embarking on his first long journey, Li Bai felt both the sorrow of leaving his hometown and the excitement and anticipation for the adventures ahead. This poem captures that complex mood, expressing both his attachment to his homeland and his bold aspirations as he faced the vast world.
First Couplet: “渡远荆门外，来从楚国游。”
Dù yuǎn jīng mén wài, lái cóng chǔ guó yóu.
I crossed the distant Jingmen and arrived in the land of Chu, beginning a new journey.
The opening couplet sets the scene, indicating that the poet has left the Shu region and entered the territory of the ancient state of Chu. At the start of his journey, the poet is filled with curiosity and anticipation, ready to explore new horizons.
Second Couplet: “山随平野尽，江入大荒流。”
Shān suí píng yě jìn, jiāng rù dà huāng liú.
The mountains fade as the plains stretch out; the river flows into the boundless wilderness.
The poet depicts the majestic scene of the Yangtze River entering the Jianghan Plain. West of Jingmen, the mountains are rugged and the river twists and turns, but beyond Jingmen, the towering peaks gradually disappear, and the river flows into the vast plain. This imagery not only reflects the changing landscape but also symbolizes the poet's broadening perspective and open-mindedness.
Third Couplet: “月下飞天镜，云生结海楼。”
Yuè xià fēi tiān jìng, yún shēng jié hǎi lóu.
The moon reflects on the river like a celestial mirror; the rising clouds form a mirage-like tower.
These lines describe the enchanting night scenery of the river, filled with fantastical imagery. The moon's reflection on the water resembles a heavenly mirror, while the swirling clouds create the illusion of a mirage. Through romantic imagination, the poet captures the ethereal beauty of the Yangtze River at night, expressing his excitement at facing the vast world.
Fourth Couplet: “仍怜故乡水，万里送行舟。”
Réng lián gù xiāng shuǐ, wàn lǐ sòng xíng zhōu.
I still cherish the waters from my hometown, which have traveled thousands of miles to accompany my journey.
The poet subtly expresses his longing for home. Instead of directly stating his homesickness, he personifies the waters of his hometown, suggesting that they have accompanied him on his long journey. This personification makes the expression of homesickness more含蓄 (subtle) and moving.
Overall Appreciation
The poem captures the poet's excitement as he enters the land of Chu, while also revealing his attachment to his hometown. The first half depicts the grandeur of the Yangtze River as it flows through Jingmen, from the receding mountains and the surging river to the moonlit night and swirling clouds. The poet's fresh and vivid brushstrokes paint a magnificent and enchanting picture of nature's beauty. The second half shifts from scenery to emotion, as the poet uses the image of "hometown waters" to express his deep affection for his homeland. The poem achieves a perfect balance between boldness and tenderness.
Writing Characteristics
- Layered Progression in Scenery: From day to night, from reality to imagination, the poem's imagery transitions seamlessly, creating a multi-dimensional picture.
- Skillful Personification: The poet personifies the waters of his hometown, making them a companion on his journey and using them to convey his homesickness in a subtle and profound way.
- Strong Romanticism: The poet enriches the natural scenery with vivid imagination, such as the "celestial mirror" and "mirage-like tower," enhancing the poem's romantic atmosphere.
Insights
This poem not only showcases Li Bai's bold aspirations as he embarks on his first long journey but also expresses his deep attachment to his hometown. Life is a journey, and everyone experiences moments of departure and separation. No matter how far we travel, a part of us always remains connected to our roots. The poet's emotions remind us that, no matter where we are, the imprint of home stays with us, becoming the warmest and most cherished part of our hearts.
Poem translator
Xu Yuan-chong(许渊冲)
About the poet
Li Bai (李白), 701 - 762 A.D., whose ancestral home was in Gansu, was preceded by Li Guang, a general of the Han Dynasty. Tang poetry is one of the brightest constellations in the history of Chinese literature, and one of the brightest stars is Li Bai.
