On a part of a spear still unrusted in the sand
I have burnished the symbol of an ancient kingdom...
Except for a wind aiding General Zhou Yu,
Spring would have sealed both Qiao girls in CopperBird Palace.
Original Poem
「赠别二首 · 其一」
杜牧
娉娉袅袅十三余，豆蔻梢头二月初。
春风十里扬州路，卷上珠帘总不如。
Interpretation
"Parting" was written around 840 AD during the reign of Emperor Wenzong of the Tang Dynasty. At the time, Du Mu was serving as an aide in Yangzhou, where he met and formed a close bond with a local songstress. As they prepared to part ways, Du Mu composed this poem to express his admiration and reluctance to say goodbye. This is the first of two poems, focusing on praise, while the second emphasizes the sorrow of parting.
First Couplet: "娉娉袅袅十三余，豆蔻梢头二月初。"
Pīng pīng niǎo niǎo shí sān yú, dòu kòu shāo tóu èr yuè chū.
Graceful and delicate, just over thirteen years old, like a cardamom bud at the beginning of February.
These lines depict the youthful beauty and grace of the songstress. The phrase "graceful and delicate" (娉娉袅袅) captures her elegant and gentle demeanor, while the comparison to a "cardamom bud" (豆蔻梢头) in early February highlights her youthful freshness and budding beauty. The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a young girl in the prime of her youth.
Second Couplet: "春风十里扬州路，卷上珠帘总不如。"
Chūnfēng shí lǐ Yángzhōu lù, juǎn shàng zhū lián zǒng bù rú.
The spring breeze along the ten-mile road of Yangzhou, even with all the pearl curtains rolled up, cannot compare to her beauty.
This couplet uses the bustling and vibrant scene of Yangzhou in spring as a backdrop to highlight the songstress's unparalleled beauty. The "spring breeze" (春风) and "pearl curtains" (珠帘) symbolize the lively and glamorous atmosphere of Yangzhou, but the poet asserts that none of it can compare to the songstress's charm. This contrast serves to elevate her beauty above all else, emphasizing her uniqueness and allure.
Overall Appreciation
This poem is a delicate and elegant tribute to the youthful beauty of the songstress.
The first couplet uses the metaphor of a cardamom bud to capture the songstress's youthful freshness and delicate beauty. The imagery is both vivid and subtle, conveying her charm without resorting to direct descriptions.
The second couplet shifts to a broader scene, using the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Yangzhou in spring as a backdrop. By asserting that even the most glamorous aspects of Yangzhou cannot compare to the songstress's beauty, Du Mu elevates her to a level of unparalleled allure.
The poem's strength lies in its ability to blend vivid imagery with deep emotional resonance. Du Mu's admiration for the songstress is evident, but it is expressed with a subtlety and elegance that make the poem both poignant and memorable.
Writing Characteristics
- Vivid Imagery and Metaphor
The poem uses the metaphor of a cardamom bud to capture the songstress's youthful beauty, creating a vivid and evocative image. - Contrast and Elevation
The bustling and vibrant scene of Yangzhou serves as a backdrop to highlight the songstress's unparalleled beauty, elevating her above all else. - Subtlety and Elegance
The poem's language is subtle and elegant, conveying deep admiration without resorting to direct descriptions.
Insights
This poem is a celebration of youthful beauty and the fleeting nature of time. Du Mu's admiration for the songstress is evident, but it is expressed with a subtlety and elegance that make the poem both poignant and memorable.
The poem also serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing the present moment and the people we care about. The songstress's beauty, like the cardamom bud, is fleeting, and Du Mu's reluctance to part with her underscores the value of the time they shared.
Ultimately, "Parting" is a meditation on beauty, time, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we care about. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and to seek out the beauty and meaning in the present moment.
Poem translator
Kiang Kanghu
About the poet
Du Mu (杜牧), 803 - 853 AD, was a native of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Among the poets of the Late Tang Dynasty, he was one of those who had his own characteristics, and later people called Li Shangyin and Du Mu as "Little Li and Du". His poems are bright and colorful.
