晓出净慈寺送林子方
Seeing Lin Zifang Off at Jingci Temple at Dawn
Original
毕竟西湖六月中，
风光不与四时同。
接天莲叶无穷碧，
映日荷花别样红。
Translation
After all, it is the sixth moon by West Lake,
Its scenery is unlike that of any other season.
Lotus leaves stretch to the sky, an endless green,
Sunlit lotus blooms glow with a unique crimson.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
This poem was composed when Yang Wanli saw off his friend Lin Zifang, a junior colleague departing Hangzhou for an official post in Fuzhou, at Jingci Temple at dawn. The verses vividly portray West Lake's unparalleled beauty in the sixth lunar month, a landscape far more spectacular than in any other season. The grand imagery of lotus leaves stretching endlessly to the horizon and sun-kissed lotus blossoms blazing with a distinctive crimson creates a vibrant, awe-inspiring scene. Instead of expressing overt sorrow of parting, Yang uses the breathtaking natural scenery to convey warm regards and sincere wishes for Lin’s future, hoping his career will be as brilliant and thriving as the radiant lotus blooms under the sun. This work masterfully blends nature celebration with tender friendship sentiment, making it a beloved Song Dynasty classic.
About the Poet
杨万里
Yáng Wànlǐ
Yang Wanli (1127-1206) was a prominent poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, and one of the 'Four Great Poets of the Southern Song' alongside Lu You, Fan Chengda, and You Mao. Having served in various official posts, he later retired from bureaucracy to focus on poetry. Renowned for his plain, vivid, and observant style, he drew inspiration from daily life and natural landscapes, infusing his works with a playful, down-to-earth charm that made his poetry relatable and enduring.
Cultural & Historical Context
1. Historical Background: The Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) faced political tension from northern invasions but boasted thriving culture; West Lake in Hangzhou was a core gathering spot for literati and officials. 2. Cultural Background: Sending-off poems were a deep-rooted ancient Chinese literary tradition, where poets used natural scenes to express parting emotions, as direct sorrow was seen as unrefined. 3. Social Background: Song scholar-officials often relocated for official duties, making parting a common experience that inspired numerous works. 4. Personal Experience: When writing, Yang served in Hangzhou, and Lin Zifang was his close junior friend promoted to a Fuzhou post. Yang had a lifelong passion for natural scenery, with West Lake as a favorite subject. 5. Creative Purpose & Artistic Features: The poem conveys friendship and good wishes via vivid imagery rather than melancholy. Its strengths include striking season contrasts, grand visual scale, vibrant color juxtaposition, and plain accessible language balancing simplicity with profound emotional resonance, crafting an unforgettable scene and sincere sentiment.