别董大
Farewell to Dong Da
Original
千里黄云白日曛，
北风吹雁雪纷纷。
莫愁前路无知己，
天下谁人不识君。
Translation
A thousand miles of yellow clouds dim the sun;
Northern winds drive wild geese, snow swirls thick and dense;
Don’t grieve no bosom friends you’ll find ahead;
Who in the whole wide world doesn’t know your name?
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
This timeless farewell poem was written when Gao Shi parted with Dong Tinglan, known as Dong Da, a renowned guqin master. At that time, both men were facing setbacks in their lives, wandering in the frigid northern frontier. The opening lines paint a desolate yet majestic winter scene: yellow clouds blurring the daylight, harsh winds chasing geese as snow falls in flurries, setting a somber backdrop for the farewell. Instead of wallowing in sorrow, the poet shifts to warm, uplifting encouragement, assuring Dong Da that his exceptional talent will earn him recognition across the land, transforming the melancholy of parting into a powerful tribute to friendship and unshakable confidence in the future.
About the Poet
高适
Gāo Shì
Gao Shi (706–765) was a prominent poet of the High Tang Dynasty, ranked among the 'Four Great Poets of the High Tang'. After years of wandering across the country, he embarked on an official career and rose to the position of military governor due to his strategic prowess. His poetry is celebrated for its bold, heroic tone—especially frontier-themed works that vividly depict border landscapes and soldiers’ struggles—along with sincere, profound expressions of friendship and life’s adversities, characterized by concise, powerful language.
Cultural & Historical Context
1. Historical Background: Composed during the High Tang Dynasty (713–741), an era of unprecedented prosperity and cultural radiance in ancient China. Frontier regions saw active development, fostering frequent interactions between wandering literati, military personnel, and artists. 2. Cultural Background: Farewell poetry was a core genre in Tang literature, reflecting the literati’s deep emphasis on friendship. As a master of the guqin—a symbol of elegance in traditional Chinese culture—Dong Da was held in high esteem among scholars. 3. Social Background: Many Tang scholars wandered across the country seeking official posts or artistic opportunities, often enduring poverty and setbacks, which shaped the shared hardship that bound Gao Shi and Dong Da. 4. Personal Experience: When writing this poem, Gao Shi had not yet achieved official success, roaming the northern frontier; Dong Da was also experiencing a career slump. Their mutual struggles deepened their bond. 5. Creative Purpose & Artistic Features: The poem aims to comfort and inspire his struggling friend. It uses a striking contrast between the bleak winter landscape and the bold, confident closing lines, employing vivid, simple language and hyperbole to convey sincere warmth, turning a melancholic farewell into a celebration of talent and hope.