Farewell to Liu Zongyuan in Exile
- Poetry of Liu Yuxi
Recalled together after an exile of ten years,
Again we're banished for long miles and say adieu.
We reappear but unlike our noble compeers;
Thrice in exile I feel I'm unworthy of you.
We watch returning wild geese till they're out of sight;
We're sad to hear the monkey wail with broken heart.
The Western River flows far from the Southern height.
Longing for each other, can we be kept apart?
This poem was written by Liu Yuxi in response to a farewell poem from Liu Zongyuan. It expresses Liu Yuxi's sadness and deep longing for his friendship with Liu Zongyuan during their parting, while also reflecting their shared experiences in the political turmoil they both faced. Through delicate descriptions and clever allusions, the poet showcases his complex emotions and helplessness towards fate.
去国十年同赴召，渡湘千里又分歧。
重临事异黄丞相，三黜名惭柳士师。
归目并随回雁尽，愁肠正遇断猿时。
桂江东过连山下，相望长吟有所思。
- Why Chinese poems is so special?
- The most distinctive features of Chinese poetry are: concision- many poems are only four lines, and few are much longer than eight; ambiguity- number, tense and parts of speech are often undetermined, creating particularly rich interpretative possibilities; and structure- most poems follow quite strict formal patterns which have beauty in themselves as well as highlighting meaningful contrasts.
- How to read a Chinese poem?
- Like an English poem, but more so. Everything is there for a reason, so try to find that reason. Think about all the possible connotations, and be aware of the different possibilities of number and tense. Look for contrasts: within lines, between the lines of each couplet and between successive couplets. Above all, don't worry about what the poet meant- find your meaning.