Farewell
- Poetry of Modern Chinese poetry

《送別》

English Rendering

The pavilion’s side, Where the old road lies,

Sweet grass, so blue, they touch the skies.

Eve winds kiss willows, the pipe’s waning trills, 

The sun sets over hills and hills.


The verge of the skies, Lands’ end or beyond,

Dear friends half scattered, withered, gone.

A ladle of rough wine, what’s left of joy, we drain;

Parted, tonight, lorn dreams in vain.

Farewell by Modern Chinese poetry
Farewell by Modern Chinese poetry

Original Text (中文原文)

长亭外,古道边,芳草碧连天。

晚风拂柳笛声残,夕阳山外山。

天之涯,地之角,知交半零落。

一瓢浊酒尽余欢,今宵别梦寒。

Analysis & Context

This poem by Li Shutong 李叔同 (1880-1942) was written as lyrics to the melody of the 1851 American song “Dreaming of Home and Mother” (published 1868), music and lyrics both written by John P. ordway (1824-1880).

Reader's Companion

The Essence of the Verse

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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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