The living are but passers-by,
And those are going home who die.
The sky and earth are hotels just
For all to grieve over age-old dust.
The Moon Goddess lives long in vain;
The sacred tree's cut down with pain.
The bleached bones can nor speak nor sing.
Could green pines feel the warmth of spring?
Ancestors and posterity,
Don't prize but sigh for vanity!
生者为过客，死者为归人。
天地一逆旅，同悲万古尘。
月兔空捣药，扶桑已成薪。
白骨寂无言，青松岂知春。
前后更叹息，浮荣何足珍?
This is a philosophical poem in which the poet equalizes life and death,imagines the sacred tree cut down,from which rose the sun,and sighs for the vanity of man.
This poem explores the theme of life's impermanence, expressing the poet's insight into life and death as well as his contemplation on the changes of the world. Li Bai, known for his unrestrained and uninhibited character, harbored the ideal of "retiring after achieving success." However, the setbacks he faced and the fleeting nature of life led him to reflect more deeply on the transience of existence. This poem was written in such an emotional context, using a philosophical approach to explore the essence of life.
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.
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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