Coming Home by He Zhizhang

I left home young. I return old,
Speaking as then, but with hair grown thin;
And my children, meeting me, do not know me.
They smile and say: " Stranger, where do you come from?"

Original Poem

「回乡偶书」
少小离家老大回，乡音无改鬓毛衰。
儿童相见不相识，笑问客从何处来。

贺知章

Interpretation

This poem was composed during the Tang Dynasty by He Zhizhang, who left his hometown at a young age to study in the capital and spent many years in official service. In his old age, he resigned from his post and returned to his hometown, now with gray hair. This poem captures his reflections on the journey home, expressing his deep attachment to his homeland and his lament over the brevity of life and the impermanence of worldly affairs.

First Couplet: “少小离家老大回，乡音无改鬓毛衰。”
Shào xiǎo lí jiā lǎo dà huí, xiāng yīn wú gǎi bìn máo shuāi.
I left home as a child and returned as an old man; my hometown accent remains unchanged, though my temples are now streaked with gray.

The poet contrasts "left as a child" with "returned as an old man," vividly illustrating the passage of time and the changes in life. Despite the years, his hometown accent remains unchanged, reflecting his deep attachment to his roots.

Second Couplet: “儿童相见不相识，笑问客从何处来。”
Ér tóng xiāng jiàn bù xiāng shí, xiào wèn kè cóng hé chù lái.
The village children see me but do not recognize me; they smile and ask, "Where are you from, guest?"

This couplet uses the innocent words of children to highlight the poet's inner turmoil. Though he is returning home, he is seen as a stranger, evoking a sense of the passage of time and the changes in life. This simple yet profound moment captures the poet's complex emotions with subtlety and depth.

Overall Appreciation

The poem captures the poet's mixed emotions upon returning to his hometown after many years. The joy of homecoming is tempered by the realization of how much has changed, culminating in the poignant moment when children, unaware of his identity, ask where he is from. Written in a plain and unadorned style, the poem conveys profound emotions and leaves a lasting impression.

Writing Characteristics

1. Vivid Contrasts, Profound Imagery: The contrast between "left as a child" and "returned as an old man" emphasizes the passage of time, while "hometown accent unchanged" versus "temples streaked with gray" highlights the changes in life, deepening the poet's reflections.
2. Subtle Emotions, Deep Resonance: The innocent question from the children subtly reveals the poet's inner sadness and sense of loss, creating a powerful emotional connection with the reader.
3. Simple Language, Genuine Emotion: The poem's plain and natural language conveys profound truths about life and human experience, making it both accessible and deeply moving.

Insights

This poem reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change. No matter how far we travel or how much we experience, the ties to our hometown and the memories of our roots remain deeply ingrained. Through his experience of returning home, the poet encourages us to cherish our loved ones and hold onto the deep affection we feel for our homeland.

About the poet

He Zhizhang (贺知章) was a native of Xiaoshan, Zhejiang Province, circa 659-746 AD. He was admitted as a scholar in 695 AD. He returned to his hometown in 744 AD. He Zhizhang was open-minded, fond of talking and drinking.