Rugged is the road, I hear,
Built by the pioneer.
In front steep mountains rise;
Beside my horse cloud flies.
Over plank way trees hang down;
Spring water girds the town.
Decided our rise and fall.
Do not bother at all!
Original Poem:
「送友人入蜀」
李白
见说蚕丛路，崎岖不易行。
山从人面起，云傍马头生。
芳树笼秦栈，春流绕蜀城。
升沉应已定，不必问君平。
Interpretation:
This poem was composed by the great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai when he bid farewell to a friend who was about to travel to Shu. The roads to Shu, known for their treacherous and difficult terrain, were often described as “Shu roads are as hard as ascending to the heavens.” Li Bai uses the motif of the Shu roads to reflect both the majestic and perilous landscapes of the region while also conveying his deep concern for his friend’s journey and his reflections on the nature of fate. The poem captures both the danger and beauty of Shu’s landscapes while subtly touching on the poet's musings about life’s uncertainties.
- First Couplet: Describing the Road to Shu
"见说蚕丛路，崎岖不易行。"
I’ve heard that the road to Shu is full of twists and turns, hard to traverse.
The opening directly introduces the topic of the poem—Shu roads—emphasizing their difficulty and ruggedness. This simple description conveys a tone of concern, setting the stage for the depiction of both the natural landscape and the poet’s emotional sentiment. - Second Couplet: Depicting the Perilous Nature of the Road
"山从人面起，云傍马头生。"
Mountains rise suddenly before one’s eyes; clouds swirl around the horse’s head.
This couplet vividly portrays the steepness and danger of the road, with mountains seemingly springing up before the traveler’s eyes, and clouds enveloping the traveler’s path. The active verbs “rise” and “form” infuse the landscape with vitality, immersing the reader in the perilous yet fascinating terrain. - Third Couplet: Displaying the Beauty of Shu's Scenery
"芳树笼秦栈，春流绕蜀城。"
Fragrant trees shade the ancient Qin road, and spring waters flow around Shu’s city.
The tone shifts here, transitioning from the danger of the road to the beauty of Shu. The phrase “shade the ancient Qin road” evokes a sense of lushness and tranquility, while “spring waters flow” presents a lively and harmonious landscape, creating a vivid contrast to the earlier depiction of danger. - Final Couplet: Offering Comfort and Philosophical Reflection
"升沉应已定，不必问君平。"
The rise and fall of fate are already determined; there’s no need to consult the diviner.
This concluding line offers both comfort and philosophical reflection. It suggests that life’s twists and turns are preordained and advises the friend not to worry excessively. The reference to the diviner from the Han Dynasty, who was known for foretelling destinies, adds a layer of cultural depth and highlights the inevitability of fate. This sentiment also mirrors Li Bai’s own perspective on life and fate.
Stylistic Features
- Blending Emotion with Landscape
The poem seamlessly intertwines the depiction of the dangerous and beautiful Shu landscape with the poet’s concern for his friend. This integration of landscape and emotion deepens the emotional resonance, making the natural imagery not just a background but an extension of the poet's feelings. - Vivid and Dynamic Word Choices
Words like “rise,” “form,” “shade,” and “flow” animate the landscape, giving the natural elements a sense of life and movement. Particularly, the imagery of the mountains “rising” and clouds “forming” creates a dynamic and immersive visual experience. - Cultural Allusion to Fate
The reference to the diviner “君平” (Junping) draws on a historical figure, adding an intellectual layer to the poem. It not only enriches the cultural context but also reflects the poet’s view on the inevitability of life’s course, inviting the reader to reflect on fate and destiny. - Contrast Between Danger and Beauty
The juxtaposition of the dangerous roads and the serene beauty of Shu’s landscape enhances the poem’s complexity, making the Shu roads not only a physical journey but a metaphor for life’s trials and rewards.
Overall Appreciation
"To a Friend Parting for Shu" is a poignant and beautifully crafted poem that moves through contrasting depictions of the physical and emotional journey. Li Bai expertly uses the formidable terrain of the Shu roads as both a literal and metaphorical element in his farewell. His vivid descriptions of nature convey not only the grandeur of the landscape but also the emotional depth of his farewell. The philosophical reflection on fate adds a timeless quality to the poem, making it resonate on both personal and universal levels. The poem exemplifies Li Bai's mastery of using nature to reflect human emotions and his ability to express complex feelings with both grandeur and subtlety.
Insights
The Inevitable Flow of Fate
The poet’s acceptance of fate, as seen in the closing line, reflects the wisdom of letting go and allowing life to unfold naturally, offering a valuable lesson in embracing life’s uncertainties with tranquility.
Nature as a Reflection of Emotion
The poem demonstrates how natural landscapes can mirror the inner emotions of the poet. By portraying the dangerous roads alongside the serene beauty of Shu, Li Bai deepens the emotional layers of his farewell.
Use of Cultural Allusions
The reference to the diviner adds richness to the poem’s meaning and encourages the reader to think about life’s uncertainties. Drawing from historical or cultural figures can deepen the reader’s understanding of the poem’s themes.
Life’s Trials and Beauty
The contrast between the harshness of the road and the beauty of Shu highlights that life is a mixture of difficulty and reward. This duality encourages a reflective and philosophical outlook on the journey of life.
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.
