This is the road by which I fled,
When the rebels had reached the west end of the city;
And terror, ever since, has clutched at my vitals
Lest some of my soul should never return.
...The court has come back now, filling the capital;
But the Emperor sends me away again.
Useless and old, I rein in my horse
For one last look at the thousand gates.
Original Poem
「至德二载…有悲往事」
杜甫
此道昔归顺， 西郊胡正繁。
至今残破胆， 应有未招魂。
近得归京邑， 移官岂至尊。
无才日衰老， 驻马望千门。
Interpretation
"Taking Leave of Friends on My Way to Huazhou" was written around 758 AD during the reign of Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty. At the time, the An-Shi Rebellion was still raging, and Du Fu, having endured the chaos and displacement of war, had been appointed as a Left Reminder the previous year. However, after submitting a frank memorial that angered powerful officials, he was demoted to a minor post in Huazhou. Reflecting on his perilous escape from the rebellion and his repeated demotions despite his loyalty, Du Fu composed this poem, filled with sorrow and indignation.
First Couplet: "此道昔归顺，西郊胡正繁。"
Cǐ dào xī guīshùn, xī jiāo hú zhèng fán.
This was the road I once took to return to the court, when the western outskirts were overrun by rebel forces.
Du Fu recalls his daring journey back to the imperial court during the height of the rebellion. The phrase "rebel forces were rampant" (胡正繁) highlights the perilous situation at the time, emphasizing both the danger of his escape and his unwavering loyalty to the court despite the chaos.
Second Couplet: "至今残破胆，应有未招魂。"
Zhìjīn cán pò dǎn, yīng yǒu wèi zhāo hún.
Even now, my courage remains shattered, as if part of my soul has yet to return.
The poet reflects on the lingering trauma of his near-death experience. "Shattered courage" (残破胆) conveys the lasting impact of his harrowing escape, while "unreturned soul" (未招魂) suggests that he still feels haunted by the ordeal. The word "even now" (至今) bridges the past and present, revealing his enduring pain and sorrow.
Third Couplet: "近得归京邑，移官岂至尊。"
Jìn dé guī jīng yì, yí guān qǐ zhìzūn.
Recently, I returned to the capital, only to be transferred elsewhere—how could this be the emperor's will?
On the surface, Du Fu appears to refrain from blaming the emperor, but the phrase "how could this be the emperor's will?" (岂至尊) subtly conveys his frustration and disappointment. Despite his loyalty and dedication, he was demoted, a bitter irony that underscores his inner turmoil.
Fourth Couplet: "无才日衰老，驻马望千门。"
Wú cái rì shuāilǎo, zhù mǎ wàng qiān mén.
Talentless and aging, I halt my horse and gaze at the palace gates.
In the final couplet, Du Fu laments his aging body and unfulfilled ambitions. The act of halting his horse to gaze at the palace gates (驻马望千门) symbolizes his lingering attachment to the court and his unspoken sorrow over being misunderstood and marginalized.
Overall Appreciation
This poem intertwines personal reflection with political commentary, expressing Du Fu's deep loyalty to the court and his frustration over his repeated demotions. Through vivid recollections of his perilous escape and his current plight, Du Fu conveys a complex mix of emotions—loyalty, sorrow, indignation, and resignation. The poem's restrained tone and subtle language amplify its emotional depth, making it a powerful meditation on the challenges of maintaining integrity in turbulent times.
Writing Characteristics
- Emotional Depth, Subtle Expression
Du Fu employs a "grievance without complaint" approach, subtly conveying his frustration and sorrow through understated language and imagery. - Clear Structure, Layered Progression
The poem moves from recalling past dangers to reflecting on present hardships, creating a logical and emotionally resonant narrative. - Simple Language, Profound Meaning
The poem's straightforward language belies its deep emotional and philosophical undertones, showcasing Du Fu's signature introspective style.
Insights
This poem reflects Du Fu's unwavering loyalty to his country and his anguish over his unfulfilled ambitions. Despite risking his life to return to the court, he was demoted for his honesty, a bitter irony that underscores the challenges of maintaining integrity in a corrupt and chaotic world. Du Fu's experience reminds us that sincerity and loyalty may not always be rewarded, but they remain noble and admirable qualities.
Furthermore, the poem encourages us to persevere in the face of adversity and to hold onto our principles, even when faced with misunderstanding and injustice. Du Fu's lingering gaze at the palace gates symbolizes his enduring sense of duty and his deep love for his country, offering a timeless lesson in resilience and moral courage.
Poem translator
Kiang Kanghu
About the poet
Du Fu (杜甫), 712 - 770 AD, was a great poet of the Tang Dynasty, known as the "Sage of Poetry". Born into a declining bureaucratic family, Du Fu had a rough life, and his turbulent and dislocated life made him keenly aware of the plight of the masses. Therefore, his poems were always closely related to the current affairs, reflecting the social life of that era in a more comprehensive way, with profound thoughts and a broad realm. In his poetic art, he was able to combine many styles, forming a unique style of "profound and thick", and becoming a great realist poet in the history of China.
