Heavy the hanging cloud,
Misty the drizzling rain.
With darkness overflowed
The sky and earth remain.
Mute in east room I stay;
Alone I drink spring wine.
For my friends far away,
I scratch my hair and pine.
Original Poem
「停云 · 其一」
陶渊明
霭霭停云，濛濛时雨。
八表同昏，平路伊阻。
静寄东轩，春醪独抚。
良朋悠邈，搔首延伫。
Interpretation
This poem was written during the late Eastern Jin Dynasty, a time of political turmoil when aristocratic families vied for power, and society was in chaos. Though Tao Yuanming had retreated to the countryside, his heart remained tied to his old friends, longing to reunite with them. However, amid the stormy weather and blocked roads, he could only drink alone, pouring his melancholy into poetry to express his deep yearning for his companions.
First Couplet: “霭霭停云，濛濛时雨。”
Ǎi ǎi tíng yún, méng méng shí yǔ.
The clouds hang low and heavy; the rain falls in a fine, misty drizzle.
These two lines depict gloomy weather, with rain and mist creating a somber atmosphere. This setting establishes a melancholic tone for the poem and symbolizes the poet's inner loneliness and despair.
Second Couplet: “八表同昏，平路伊阻。”
Bā biǎo tóng hūn, píng lù yī zǔ.
The world is shrouded in darkness; even the once-smooth roads are now blocked.
The poet uses hyperbole to intertwine the political situation with the weather. "The world is shrouded in darkness" not only describes the gloomy scene but also metaphorically reflects the chaos and instability of the times, hinting at the poet's anxiety about the turbulent political climate.
Third Couplet: “静寄东轩，春醪独抚。”
Jìng jì dōng xuān, chūn láo dú fǔ.
I sit quietly under the eastern eaves, alone, cradling a cup of spring wine.
Here, the detail of "cradling a cup of spring wine alone" highlights the poet's loneliness and melancholy at being unable to meet his friends, deepening the sense of longing.
Fourth Couplet: “良朋悠邈，搔首延伫。”
Liáng péng yōu miǎo, sāo shǒu yán zhù.
My dear friends are far away; I scratch my head and pace in restless anticipation.
This couplet directly addresses the poem's theme. "My dear friends are far away" conveys the unreachable distance of his companions, while "I scratch my head and pace" vividly portrays the poet's restless, contemplative state, revealing his agitation and unease caused by longing.
Overall Appreciation
Through the gloomy weather and the solitary scene of drinking, the poem conveys the poet's deep yearning for his friends. In particular, the line “八表同昏，平路伊阻” (The world is shrouded in darkness; even the once-smooth roads are now blocked) not only expresses the frustration of being hindered by the storm but also metaphorically reflects the chaotic political situation and the decline of the nation, showing the poet's concern for societal realities. The concluding lines, “良朋悠邈，搔首延伫” (My dear friends are far away; I scratch my head and pace in restless anticipation), are emotionally charged, depicting the poet's restless, lingering state as he longs for his friends. The poem is sincere in emotion and somber in tone, expressing the poet's profound friendship and his concern for his country.
Writing Characteristics
- Use of Metaphor and Blending of Scene and Emotion: The poet begins with "the clouds hang low and heavy" and "the rain falls in a fine, misty drizzle," using the scenery to evoke melancholy and blending his longing into the natural imagery. This creates a deep and resonant意境 (yìjìng, artistic conception).
- Symbolism and Metaphor: The phrase "the world is shrouded in darkness" not only describes the gloomy weather but also symbolizes the chaos and instability of the nation, reflecting the poet's concern for the state of the world.
- Repetition and Lingering Resonance: The poem employs repetition and a refrain-like structure, gradually intensifying the emotion and deepening the poet's longing for his friends, creating a lasting emotional impact.
Insights
This poem showcases Tao Yuanming's deep friendship and his concern for societal affairs. Though he lived in seclusion in the countryside, he was not indifferent to the troubles of his nation. Instead, he used natural imagery to metaphorically reflect the turbulent times, demonstrating the profound social responsibility of a literatus. At the same time, the poet's act of drinking alone and cradling his wine cup serves as a way to channel his emotions, expressing a positive attitude of seeking inner solace amidst loneliness. The poem teaches us that even in adversity, we should maintain a peaceful mindset, finding comfort in nature and preserving the warmth and kindness within our hearts.
Poem translator
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet
Tao Yuanming(陶渊明), 365–427 CE, was a poet, literary figure, fu writer, and essayist active during the late Eastern Jin and early Liu Song dynasties. Born in Chaisang (near present-day Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province), he pioneered a new genre of pastoral-themed literature, expressing profound philosophical insights through simple language. His poetic style became an enduring aesthetic standard in classical Chinese poetry.
