English Rendering
Rugg'd is the road， I hear.
Built by the pioneer.
In front steep mountains rise;
Beside the steed cloud flies.
O'er plank-way trees hang down；
Springwater girds the town.
Decid'd our rise and fall,
Do not bother at all!
To a Friend Departing for Shu
- Poetry of Li Bai (Li Po)
《送友人入蜀》#Farewell #Friend #Departing
Original Text (中文原文)
见说蚕丛路，崎岖不易行。山从人面起，云傍马头生。
芳树笼秦栈，春流绕蜀城。升沉应已定，不必问君平。
Analysis & Context
This farewell poem by Tang dynasty poet Li Bai is dedicated to a friend embarking on a journey to Shu (modern Sichuan), renowned for its perilous mountain paths famously described as "more difficult than ascending to heaven." Through vivid depictions of Shu's landscapes and philosophical reflections, Li Bai expresses both concern for his friend's journey and profound meditations on life's vicissitudes. The poem combines scenic description with philosophical insight, showcasing Shu's magnificent scenery while conveying the poet's unique perspective on destiny, all rendered in Li Bai's characteristically fresh and elegant style.
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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