闻官军收河南河北

Hearing the Government Troops Have Recovered Henan and Hebei

杜甫(Dù Fǔ)

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

1
jiàn
wài
chuán
shōu
běi

Suddenly, news came from beyond the Sword Gate that Jibei was recovered

2
chū
wén
lèi
mǎn
shang

At the first hearing, my tears soaked my clothes

3
què
kàn
chóu
zài

Turning to my wife and children, I saw no trace of their sorrow

4
màn
juàn
shī
shū
kuáng

Carelessly rolling up my books, I was wild with joy

5
bái
fàng
zòng
jiǔ

On sunny days, I’ll sing and drink to my heart’s content

6
qīng
chūn
zuò
bàn
hǎo
hái
xiāng

With spring’s vitality, I’ll return home cheerfully

7
cóng
xiá
chuān
穿
xiá

I’ll go from Baxia through Wuxia

8
biàn
便
xià
xiāng
yáng
xiàng
luò
yáng

Then down to Xiangyang and on to Luoyang

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.