In bygone years alone in empty room did I stay
To dream of the mountains of homeland far away.
Seeing no wild geese bringing me your letter now,
I only find the new moon like your arching brow.
Original Poem:
「秋思赠远二首 · 其一」
王涯
当年只自守空帷，梦里关山觉别离。
不见乡书传雁足，唯看新月吐蛾眉。
Interpretation:
This poem was likely written during the reign of Emperor Muzong of Tang when the author, Wang Ya, served as the Military Governor of Dongchuan, far from his hometown and separated from his wife. Deeply affectionate toward his wife, Wang Ya poured his heartfelt emotions into these two poems, vividly expressing his longing and devotion, which resonate with readers even today.
First Couplets:“当年只自守空帷，梦里关山觉别离。”
(At the time of parting, I willingly kept watch over the empty bedchamber; in dreams, I crossed the mountains to see my wife, only to awaken and realize the separation persists.)
These lines highlight the start and continuation of the poet’s separation. The “empty bedchamber” symbolizes solitude and the commitment to fidelity, while “dreaming of crossing mountains” reflects his deep yearning for his wife and the helplessness of their reality. The contrast between dreams and waking life intensifies the depth of his longing.
Second Couplets:“不见乡书传雁足，唯看新月吐蛾眉。”
(No letters from home are carried on a crane’s feet; I can only gaze at the crescent moon, shaped like your elegant brows.)
This couplet conveys the unfulfilled hope for news from his wife through the image of missing letters. The “crescent moon,” likened to her arched brows, becomes a symbol of his affection and longing. This metaphor subtly transforms the natural landscape into a reflection of his emotions, deepening the emotional resonance of the poem.
Literary Features:
- Contrast of Time
The interplay of “at the time of parting,” “in dreams,” and “to this day” connects past vows, dreamlike hopes, and the present reality, progressively building emotional intensity. - Fusion of Imagery and Emotion
Through symbols like “empty bedchamber,” “mountains,” and “crescent moon,” the poem creates a poignant atmosphere, intertwining vivid imagery with heartfelt emotions. - Juxtaposition and Contrast
The contrast between “no letters from home” and “gazing at the moon” highlights the poet’s despair at unfulfilled hopes and his eventual turn to nature as a substitute for connection, making his longing even more heartfelt. - Concise and Subtle Language
The poem’s brevity belies its emotional depth. Phrases like “realizing the separation” and “crescent moon as arched brows” evoke profound feelings of loss and affection in a restrained yet poignant manner.
Overall Appreciation:
The poem revolves around the theme of longing. It begins with the poet reminiscing about the solitude following his departure and the fleeting comfort of meeting his wife in dreams, contrasted with the harsh reality upon waking. The latter half transitions to the present, expressing the frustration of missed communication and the solace found in gazing at the moon. Through vivid imagery, such as the “crescent moon” symbolizing his wife’s brows, the poet captures a sense of poignant beauty and emotional depth. The understated yet evocative language elevates the expression of longing and devotion.
Insights:
This poem exemplifies Wang Ya’s unwavering love and profound yearning for his wife, urging readers to cherish their relationships and maintain meaningful connections despite distance. Additionally, the delicate depiction of helplessness and hope invites readers to reflect on the bittersweet nature of separation and reunion, as well as the fleeting nature of time and emotions.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the Poet:
Wang Ya (王涯), 764 - 835 A.D., a Tang dynasty poet from Taiyuan, Shanxi. He was highly knowledgeable and excelled in literary composition. In 792 AD, Wang Ya passed the imperial civil service examination for jinshi (advanced scholars) and later succeeded in the prestigious Hongci examination.
