For My Younger Brother
- Poetry of Li He

《示弟》

English Rendering

I left three years ago;

Again I'm in my nooks.

Tonight green wine aglow,

I forget yellow books.

Ill, I survive at last.

What won't happen on earth?

Glad that the die is cast,

I'm free from care or mirth.

Original Text (中文原文)

别弟三年后，还家一日余。

醁醽今夕酒，缃帙去时书。

病骨犹能在，人间底事无？

何须问牛马，抛掷任枭卢！

Analysis & Context

This poem was written in the eighth year of the Yuanhe era during the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty (813 CE). It was composed by Li He after resigning from his official post and returning to his hometown in Changgu. At the time, the poet was disheartened by his failed career, weakened by illness, and forced into seclusion. His heart was filled with complex emotions, including solace from familial bonds, lamentation over his unrealized ambitions, and a deep-seated cynicism toward society.

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.

The Masters' Directory

Journey through the dynasties. Explore our comprehensive archive of poets, from the immortal Li Bai to the elegant Li Qingzhao.

View All Poets →