乌衣巷
Blackcoat Lane
Original
朱雀桥边野草花，
乌衣巷口夕阳斜。
旧时王谢堂前燕，
飞入寻常百姓家。
Translation
Beside the Scarlet Bird Bridge wild grasses and flowers bloom;
Over Blackcoat Lane the setting sun dips in soft gloom;
Swallows that once nested in Wang and Xie's grand halls;
Now flit into common folks' humble, small walls.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
This lyrical historical poem captures the faded grandeur of Wuyi Lane, once the opulent residence of the powerful Wang and Xie aristocratic clans of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Composed during Liu Yuxi’s exile, the poem uses vivid, understated imagery: wild weeds overgrowing the once-majestic Zhuque Bridge, the slanting sunset casting a melancholic glow over the quiet lane, and swallows shifting from noble halls to common homes. These scenes poignantly contrast past glory with present desolation, conveying the inevitable transience of power and the relentless march of history. Liu infuses the work with a calm, philosophical tone, inviting readers to reflect on the impermanence of human status and the quiet changes that shape civilizations.
About the Poet
刘禹锡
Liú Yǔxī
Liu Yuxi (772-842) was a distinguished mid-Tang Dynasty poet, essayist and statesman. He formed famous literary partnerships with Liu Zongyuan (known as "Liu-Liu") and Bai Juyi (known as "Liu-Bai"). Renowned for his historical and political-themed poems, his works boast a crisp, unyielding style, blending sharp observations on social changes with profound philosophical reflections on the transience of power and human fortunes.
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background: Wuyi Lane was the exclusive residence of the Wang and Xie clans, two of the most dominant aristocratic families during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420). Their members occupied top official positions and dominated the political and cultural landscape, becoming symbols of immense wealth and influence. Cultural Background: In Chinese tradition, swalls are regarded as symbols of nostalgia and continuity, often linked to memories of old homes. The Wang and Xie clans have long stood as iconic representatives of ancient Chinese aristocracy, their names evoking grandeur and privilege. Social Background: The mid-Tang Dynasty saw the decline of hereditary aristocrats and the rise of scholar-officials from non-aristocratic backgrounds, paired with lingering social upheavals after the An Lushan Rebellion. Personal Experience: Liu Yuxi was exiled twice for joining the failed Yongzhen Reform, which aimed to curb eunuch and aristocratic power. This poem was written during his second exile, when visits to former aristocratic sites sparked his reflections on political transience. Artistic Features & Purpose: Liu uses microcosmic daily scenes to express macro historical truths, contrasting past and present through symbolic imagery (weeds, sunset, swallows). He avoids explicit criticism, instead conveying profound meditations on power’s impermanence, making the poem concise, resonant, and emotionally understated yet philosophically rich.