咏柳
Ode to the Willow
Original
碧玉妆成一树高，
万条垂下绿丝绦。
不知细叶谁裁出，
二月春风似剪刀。
Translation
A tall willow is clad in jade-like green,
Ten thousand soft green ribbons hang between,
Who trimmed these slender leaves so neat and fine?
The second moon’s spring wind is scissors sharp and divine.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
“Ode to the Willow” is a beloved Tang Dynasty jueju, believed to be written when He Zhizhang returned to his hometown after resigning from official duties in his later years. The poem vividly portrays the graceful allure of an early spring willow: its towering trunk like polished jade, cascading branches like silky green ribbons, and delicate leaves shaped by the gentle yet precise spring wind. Blending vivid imagery and witty metaphor, it conveys the poet’s profound admiration for the vibrant vitality of early spring and the ingenious craftsmanship of nature. The work reflects the Tang aesthetic of embracing natural beauty, with concise, lively language that brings the fresh, lively scene of early spring to life, resonating with readers through its simple yet profound celebration of nature’s magic.
About the Poet
贺知章
Hè Zhīzhāng
He Zhizhang (659–744) was a distinguished poet and high-ranking official of the Tang Dynasty, counted among the famous “Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup.” Having served as Crown Prince’s Guest, he was celebrated for his concise, vivid jueju (four-line quatrains). His works, like *Home-Coming after a Long Absence*, blend plain, heartfelt language with profound emotion. With a fresh, natural style, he excels at capturing subtle natural scenes and everyday sentiments, making his poetry resonate deeply with readers across centuries.
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background: The Tang Dynasty (618–907) was the golden age of Chinese poetry, and the Kaiyuan Era (713–741) when this poem was created marked the peak of Tang prosperity, fostering a thriving literary environment where poets freely expressed their love for nature and life. Cultural Background: In traditional Chinese culture, willows are revered as messengers of spring. Their Chinese pronunciation “liu” homophones with “stay,” making them a symbol of farewell; ancient people often broke willow branches to bid travelers goodbye, infusing the tree with warm emotional connotations. Social Background: During the Kaiyuan Era, social stability and economic affluence allowed scholars to travel extensively, engaging with natural landscapes and producing lyrical works that reflected their deep appreciation for the world around them. Personal Experience: When composing this poem, He Zhizhang had just resigned from his high official post and was returning to his hometown after decades of service in the capital. The sight of the lush early spring willow sparked his deep affection for nature and gentle nostalgia for the passage of time. Creative Purpose & Artistic Features: The poem aims to celebrate the vibrant vitality of early spring and marvel at nature’s ingenious craftsmanship. Its artistic charm lies in clever, layered metaphors—comparing the willow’s trunk to polished jade, branches to silk ribbons, and spring wind to scissors—along with a seamless progression from the tree’s overall form to its delicate leaves, crafting a vivid, refreshing image with concise, natural language that epitomizes the elegance of Tang jueju.