Series of Fine Chinese Classical Poetry: Li Shangyin (Traditional Characters)

Author: Wu Lüe / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features:
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Explanation: Cui Yong and Cui Gun were the two sons of Cui Rong, Li Shangyin's first cousins. In the seventh year of the Dahe era (833), when Li Shangyin was twenty-one, he failed the imperial examination and sought refuge with his first cousin Cui Rong, who was then the prefect of Huazhou. Cui Rong not only treated him exceptionally well but also sent him to study at the Southern Mountains. The following year, Li Shangyin failed the examination again and returned to Cui Rong's home. At that time, Cui Rong was transferred to serve as the Surveillance Commissioner of Yanzhou. Unexpectedly, he passed away less than a month after arriving in Yanzhou. Cui Rong showed Li Shangyin not only familial affection but also recognition as a talent. Li Shangyin and Cui Rong's two sons, Cui Yong and Cui Gun, also shared a deep bond of friendship. This poem was likely written shortly after Cui Rong's death in the eighth year of the Dahe era (835), when the poet had left Cui's family and was staying at a garden pavilion belonging to a family named Xiao. In solitude, he missed his two friends and composed this touching short poem.
Line-by-Line Analysis:
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"" refers to a low-lying area surrounded by high ground, which can also be extended to mean a place surrounded by enclosures for growing flowers and plants. "Water barrier" refers to a pavilion or balcony built near water with railings. The poet finds himself surrounded by lush bamboo in the Xiao family's pavilion, free of dust, with a clear pool of water reflecting the scenery. Such a secluded and tranquil setting often brings a sense of ease, but for a traveler alone, it evokes longing for old friends. The poet's current location and the residence of Cui Yong and Cui Gun in Chang'an are far apart, separated by countless high walls. Yet his longing remains unbroken, instantly transcending mountains and rivers, flying toward the distant. Longing is an intangible thing, but describing it as "" () vividly portrays the form of longing—endless and heartfelt—across thousands of miles. The word "" here not only indicates physical separation but also subtly reveals emotional connection.
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It is late autumn, and the sky is overcast, refusing to clear. The poet, already melancholic from his loneliness and longing, finds his mood further dimmed by the oppressive gloom. Because the frost arrives late, a few withered stems of lotus remain on the water's surface. Rain begins to fall, drizzling onto the. In solitude, the poet listens quietly in the still night. Though the autumn rain and withered lotus evoke a sense of desolation, the rhythmic sound of raindrops on seems to offer a slight solace, easing his loneliness. The word "" carries a sense of relief, hinting at an unexpected yet gentle surprise. The word "" reveals the poet's deep immersion in the scene. The rain on the, though bleak, adds a unique charm, yet it further underscores the quiet solitude of the night and the poet's loneliness. The poet not only paints a scene rich in poetic and artistic beauty but also cleverly hints at his sleepless night.
Ji Yin's Comment:
"Clearly, the poet is bored, yet he expresses it through the sound of rain on, leaving a lasting impression. If he had directly said he couldn't sleep on a rainy night, it would have been too plain."
In Dream of the Red Chamber, Lin Daiyu, who usually disliked Li Shangyin's poetry, particularly admired these two lines. Perhaps the desolate and melancholic scene carries a unique poetic charm. These lines are indeed exquisite and lingering in emotion. The somber and profound atmosphere, combined with the poet's sense of being adrift, inevitably reminds one of the harsh winds and rains of life.
P15-17