Su Wu
- Poetry of Li Bai (Li Po)

《苏武》

English Rendering

Su Wu lived among the Tartar ten years long,

He kept his Han rod strong.

A wild swan flew o’er the Forest Park of the Divine;

Could it bring a message to the Imperial Court in time?

He tended sheep in the northern border, bitter, lone;

His heart was broken, gazing toward the setting sun.

Thirsty, he drank the ice from the moon’s cave;

Hungry, he ate the snow falling from the sky.

The desert stretched endless on his eastward way;

He bade the bridge farewell, sad and drear.

He wept, holding the robe of his friend,

Their tears became blood, seeing the bitter end.

Su Wu by Li Bai (Li Po)
Su Wu by Li Bai (Li Po)

Original Text (中文原文)

苏武在匈奴,十年持汉节。

白雁上林飞,空传一书札。

牧羊边地苦,落日归心绝。

渴饮月窟冰,饥餐天上雪。

东还沙塞远,北怆河梁别。

泣把李陵衣,相看泪成血。

Analysis & Context

This poem depicts the story of Su Wu, a Han dynasty envoy detained by the Xiongnu, and his steadfast loyalty amidst harsh conditions. In 100 BCE, Su Wu was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Xiongnu but was held captive by the Chanyu. Despite threats and temptations, he remained unyielding. Exiled to Lake Baikal to herd sheep, he endured extreme hardship for nineteen years before finally returning to the Han court. Through its portrayal of Su Wu’s perseverance, endurance, and longing for home, the poem exemplifies his unwavering faith and resilience.

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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