赋得古原草送别
Farewell on the Ancient Plain: Grass
Original
离离原上草，
一岁一枯荣。
野火烧不尽，
春风吹又生。
远芳侵古道，
晴翠接荒城。
又送王孙去，
萋萋满别情。
Translation
Over the ancient plain, grass grows thick and lush,
Each year it withers, then revives and flourishes.
Wildfires can never burn it out,
Spring winds blow, and it springs again.
Distant fragrance creeps along the old road,
Clear green merges with the desolate city.
Once more, I bid Wang Sun go,
The lush green fills my heart with sorrow.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
This poem, a classic Tang farewell, merges nature’s resilience with parting sorrow. Written as a regulated 'fu-de' poem for imperial exams, it uses grass on the ancient plain as a metaphor: its annual cycle of withering and revival mirrors life’s impermanence, while its indestructible vitality underscores enduring friendship. The vivid imagery—wildfires, spring winds, and distant greenery—transforms personal farewell into universal emotion, capturing the Tang’s cultural reverence for nature as a mirror of human experience.
About the Poet
白居易
Bái Jūyì
Bái Jūyì (772–846), a leading poet of the Tang Dynasty, was a pivotal figure in the New Yuefu Movement. His works, advocating 'Literature serves the times, poetry reflects society,' include 'Chang Hen Ge' and 'Pipa Xing,' celebrated for their lucid language and profound social commentary, blending realism with lyrical depth.
Cultural & Historical Context
In Tang China, 'fu-de' poetry demanded strict tonal patterns and thematic precision, reflecting the imperial examination system’s emphasis on literary skill. Bái Jūyì, a master of this form, likely composed it during his youth, blending natural observation with emotional depth. Grass in Chinese culture symbolizes resilience and transient beauty, echoing 'Li Sao' (Qu Yuan)’s 'Spring grass grows, sorrow fills the heart' tradition. Tang society’s open scholarly circles fostered frequent farewells, making this poem part of a broader cultural exchange of sentiments. Bái’s personal experiences of travel and friendship informed his use of '王孙' (Wang Sun) to evoke kinship, while the poem’s dual purpose—celebrating life’s endurance and mourning separation—exemplifies his signature blend of realism and lyricism, using simple imagery to convey profound truths.