Talking with My Cousin One Summer Night by Dou Shu-xiang

The courtyard's fragrant with flowers blowing at night;
When night is deep, we wake from wine in drizzling rain.
We've not received from far away letters we write;
It's hard to talk about the bygone days with pain.
The children of the past have all grown tall and high;
Half of our friends and kinsmen are gone and departed
Tomorrow when my lonely boat bids you goodbye,
Can we, seeing the streamers, not be broken-hearted?

Original Poem:

「夏夜宿表兄话旧」
夜合花开香满庭，夜深微雨醉初醒。
远书珍重何曾达，旧事凄凉不可听。
去日儿童皆长大，昔年亲友半凋零。
明朝又是孤舟别，愁见河桥酒幔青。

窦叔向

Interpretation:

This seven-character regulated verse centers on themes of nostalgia and farewell, depicting the poet's heartfelt reunion with his cousin and their heartfelt conversation on a summer night. Through vivid recollections of the past and reflections on the pain of parting, the poem expresses deep familial affection and the helplessness brought by life's impermanence. The language is warm and sincere, the emotions genuine, and the style approachable, demonstrating the poet's refined literary skills.

First Couplet:“夜合花开香满庭，夜深微雨醉初醒。”
(The night-blooming jasmine fills the courtyard with its fragrance. Late at night, light rain falls as I awaken from my drunken stupor.)
The opening couplet sets the time and atmosphere with a tranquil nighttime scene. The fragrance of the jasmine and the gentle rain together create an evocative image of a quiet summer night, serving as the backdrop for the poet's heartfelt reunion with his cousin. The mention of awakening from drunkenness hints at the convivial atmosphere and the deep conversations shared.

Second Couplet:“去日儿童皆长大，昔年亲友半凋零。”
(The children of yesteryear have all grown up, while half the old friends are no longer here.)
This couplet recalls the passage of time, contrasting the growth of children with the loss of friends and loved ones. This juxtaposition conveys both the poet’s bittersweet feelings about the passage of time and the inevitability of life’s transience. In just a few words, it vividly captures the joys and sorrows of life’s cycles.

Third Couplet:“欲书尺素无从寄，况值乱离消息轻。”
(I once wanted to send a letter home but had no way to do so. Amid the chaos of war, news was even scarcer.)
The third couplet introduces the struggles of communication during a time of unrest. The detail of an undelivered letter illustrates the challenges of staying connected with loved ones, adding a layer of sorrow to the poet’s memories. The "尺素" (letter) symbolizes the deep familial bond, while "消息轻" (scarce news) underscores the helplessness of the situation.

Fourth Couplet:“明朝又是孤舟别，愁见河桥酒幔青。”
(Tomorrow, I must board the lone boat and leave again. I dread seeing the green wine canopies at the riverside pavilion bidding me farewell.)
The final couplet concludes with the inevitability of parting. The use of “又” (again) emphasizes the poet's frequent farewells, highlighting a sense of exhaustion and sorrow. The "green wine canopies" symbolize the melancholy of parting scenes, blending visual imagery with emotional depth to intensify the sense of loss.

Writing Features

• Plain yet natural language: The simple, conversational tone evokes the intimacy of family interactions, while conveying profound reflections on life.
• Authentic and touching emotions: By reminiscing about happy moments and lamenting the pain of separation, the poem resonates deeply with readers.
• Emotions conveyed through imagery: The use of details such as “night-blooming jasmine,” “gentle rain,” and “green wine canopies” enhances the emotional atmosphere, weaving a seamless connection between nature and sentiment.
• Well-structured narrative: Starting with the tranquility of a summer evening and ending with the poignant scene of departure, the poem flows naturally, uniting reunion and farewell into a cohesive narrative.

Overall Analysis

With its plain language and delicate imagery, the poem vividly portrays the reunion and conversation between the poet and his cousin on a summer night. It intertwines reflections on the unpredictability of life, the depth of familial affection, and the sorrow of parting. By skillfully blending emotion with scenery, the poet achieves a balance between simplicity and profundity. This deeply moving work invites readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of human connections.

Insights

The poem serves as a reminder to cherish the fleeting moments of reunion with loved ones while acknowledging life’s unpredictability. Through its heartfelt emotions and natural expression, the poet demonstrates the importance of authenticity in artistic creation. Additionally, the integration of emotions and imagery offers valuable lessons in creating works that resonate deeply with readers.

Poem translator:

Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)

About the poet:

Dou Shuxiang(窦叔向), who lived around 769 CE, was a poet and literary figure of the Tang Dynasty. He was known by the courtesy name Yizhi and came from an official family in Jincheng, Jingzhao. He was the son of Dou Dan, the Simama of Tongchang. Renowned for his poetic talent, Dou Shuxiang was especially skilled in composing five-character poems. His poetry collection originally consisted of seven volumes, but only nine poems survive today.