闻官军收河南河北
Hearing the Government Troops Have Recovered Henan and Hebei
Original
剑外忽传收蓟北
初闻涕泪满衣裳
却看妻子愁何在
漫卷诗书喜欲狂
白日放歌须纵酒
青春作伴好还乡
即从巴峡穿巫峡
便下襄阳向洛阳
Translation
Suddenly, news came from beyond the Sword Gate that Jibei was recovered
At the first hearing, my tears soaked my clothes
Turning to my wife and children, I saw no trace of their sorrow
Carelessly rolling up my books, I was wild with joy
On sunny days, I’ll sing and drink to my heart’s content
With spring’s vitality, I’ll return home cheerfully
I’ll go from Baxia through Wuxia
Then down to Xiangyang and on to Luoyang
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
This poem was written in 768 when Du Fu, exiled in Chengdu, learned of the government’s recapture of Henan and Hebei from rebel forces. The opening lines capture his sudden, overwhelming joy: tears at first, then joyful chaos as he discards books to celebrate. The poem shifts from personal elation to a vivid journey home—Baxia to Wuxia, Xiangyang to Luoyang—embodying his desperate longing for reunion. Its emotional arc, from sorrow to exultation, mirrors the universal human yearning for peace and home, making it a timeless testament to hope amid despair.
About the Poet
杜甫
Dù Fǔ
Dù Fǔ (712–770), a towering figure of Tang Dynasty poetry, is celebrated as the 'Poet Sage'. His realistic verses, reflecting social turmoil and human suffering during the An Lushan Rebellion, earned him a lasting legacy. Known for 'sorrowful yet majestic' style, his works serve as a vivid historical record of Tang China.
Cultural & Historical Context
**Historical Context**: The An Lushan Rebellion (755–763) devastated China, displacing millions. The 763 recapture of Henan and Hebei, where Du Fu grew up, ended a decade of suffering. **Cultural Significance**: Du Fu’s realism distinguished him as a 'poet sage,' his works chronicling Tang dynasty decline. His style, 'sorrowful yet majestic,' influenced generations. **Social Background**: Post-rebellion China faced economic collapse; the poem reflects collective relief. **Personal Experience**: Du Fu had fled Chang’an, witnessed war’s horrors, and lived in exile. The news reignited his will to return. **Creation Purpose**: To channel joy into art, blending personal relief with national healing. **Artistic Features**: Rapid emotional shifts, spatial sequence (Baxia→Wuxia→Xiangyang→Luoyang), and colloquial language create urgency. The poem’s tight structure and vivid verbs (e.g., 'soaked,' 'wild') make it universally relatable, showcasing Du Fu’s mastery of mood and rhythm.
More by 杜甫
江畔独步寻花
Strolling Among the Flowers by the Riverbank
黄四娘家花满蹊,
绝句·迟日江山丽
Quatrain: Chí Rì Jiāng Shān Lì (Beautiful Spring Landscapes)
迟日江山丽,
春夜喜雨
Pleasant Rain on a Spring Night
好雨知时节
江南逢李龟年
Encountering Li Guinian in the South
岐王宅里寻常见,
绝句·两个黄鹂鸣翠柳
Jueju: Two Golden Orioles Sing Amid Green Willows
两个黄鹂鸣翠柳,
赠花卿
To General Hua Jingding
锦城丝管日纷纷,