Reading Yuan Zhen's Poems in a Boat
- Poetry of Bai Juyi

《舟中读元九诗》

English Rendering

I read your book of poetry by the lamplight,

And finish it when oil burns low at dead of night.

Eyes sore, I blow the light out and sit in the dark;

The waves brought up by adverse wind beat on the bark.

Reading Yuan Zhen's Poems in a Boat by Bai Juyi
Reading Yuan Zhen's Poems in a Boat by Bai Juyi

Original Text (中文原文)

把君诗卷灯前读,诗尽灯残天未明。

眼痛灭灯犹暗坐,逆风吹浪打船声。

Analysis & Context

This poem was written in September 815 during Bai Juyi’s journey to assume his post as a Sima in Jiangzhou. Amidst political setbacks and personal struggles, Bai Juyi found solace in reading his close friend Yuan Zhen's poetry. Through the vivid depiction of reading by lamplight, the poem reflects his profound longing for his friend and his emotional response to his challenging circumstances.

Reader's Companion

The Essence of the Verse

Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.

Reading Between the Lines

Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.

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