In the eighth moon the weed cold grows,
The autumn waves surge with white crest.
The mast shivers as north wind blows;
Why should my guest go to the west?
The rain no longer drizzles on hilltop;
Out of the door rises the evening tide.
At night along the beach my friend should stop.
Hear lonely wild goose cry by riverside!
八月寒苇花，秋江浪头白。
北风吹五两，谁是浔阳客。
鸬鹚山头微雨晴，扬州郭里暮潮生。
行人夜宿金陵渚，试听沙边有雁声。
This poem is a farewell work by Tang dynasty poet Li Qi (李颀 Lǐ Qí). Through unique conceptualization and profound artistic conception, it portrays the noble character of his friend Chen Zhangfu (陈章甫 Chén Zhāngfǔ) while expressing the poet's own lamentations about unrecognized talents. The poem not only contains admiration and reluctant parting sentiments, but also reveals sighs over political frustrations and contemplations of reclusive 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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