Drinking wine all day long,
I won't keep my mind sane.
Seeing the drunken throng,
Could I sober remain?
Original Poem:
「过酒家 · 其二」
王绩
此日长昏饮，非关养性灵。
眼看人尽醉，何忍独为醒!
Interpretation:
This poem, on the surface, describes the poet's indulgence in drunkenness. However, it reflects a profound critique of reality and societal conditions. Living in the chaotic late Sui dynasty, the poet, disillusioned by corruption and turmoil, expresses his despair and frustration through the metaphor of drinking. The apparent “drunkenness” becomes a form of protest and self-preservation, revealing his conflicted emotions toward the world.
First Couplets: “This day I drink to oblivion; it’s not about nourishing my soul.”
In the first line, the poet openly admits to his habit of excessive drinking, but he denies that it serves any higher purpose, such as nurturing his inner spirit. This confession, with a tone of self-deprecation, reflects his disillusionment with the world.
The poet lived during the chaotic late Sui dynasty, a time when societal order was crumbling. Having witnessed the corruption and suffering of the people, he chose to retreat from public life. The "drunkenness" here symbolizes his attempt to escape the harsh reality of a decaying society. The direct and candid tone reveals his bitterness and inner torment.
Second Couplets: “Seeing everyone drunk, how could I bear to stay sober?”
The second line explains why the poet indulges in drinking. Watching everyone around him immerse themselves in ignorance, greed, or power, he finds it unbearable to remain clear-headed and confront the bitter truth of reality.
On the surface, this couplet suggests the poet's conformity to societal norms. However, it subtly conveys his rebellion against and critique of a world where “everyone is drunk.” His refusal to “stay sober” reflects his inability to find like-minded individuals and his despair in facing societal corruption and human folly.
This couplet highlights a universal philosophical dilemma: Is it better to remain conscious and suffer the truth, or to escape into oblivion and avoid the pain?
This short quatrain is both poignant and thought-provoking. The poet uses the theme of drunkenness to express his disillusionment with society and his inner conflict. The plain yet profound style differentiates it from the ornate poetry of the Sui dynasty and early Tang. The poem resonates with timeless themes of individual struggle in a corrupt world, offering deep emotional and philosophical insights.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Wang Jie (王绩), circa 589 - 644 AD, a poet of the Tang dynasty, courtesy name Wugong and sobriquet Donggaozi, was a native of Wannong, Shanxi. Known for his aloof and straightforward nature and fondness for wine, his poetry is characterized by its sincerity, naturalness, and lofty, free-spirited style.
