'For Meng Hao-Jan' by Li Po


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I love Master Meng.
Free as a flowing breeze,
He is famous
Throughout the world.

In rosy youth, he cast away
Official cap and carriage.
Now, a white-haired elder, he reclines
Amid pines and cloud.

Drunk beneath the moon,
He often attains sagehood.
Lost among the flowers,
He serves no lord.

How can I aspire
to such a high mountain?
Here below, to his clear fragrance,
I bow.


Translated by Greg Whincup

Submitted by Edward McDonald

Editor 1 Interpretation

For Meng Hao-Jan by Li Po: A Masterpiece in Chinese Poetry

As a literary critic, I have come across numerous poems that have left me in awe. However, one piece of literature that has always captured my attention is "For Meng Hao-Jan" by Li Po. This classic poem is a masterpiece in Chinese poetry, and its beauty and depth continue to inspire and fascinate readers even today.

Overview of the Poem

"For Meng Hao-Jan" is a poem that was written by Li Po, also known as Li Bai, during the Tang dynasty in China. The poem is about the poet's friend, Meng Hao-Jan, who was a noted scholar and recluse. The poem expresses Li Po's admiration for Meng Hao-Jan and his longing to see him again.

The poem consists of eight quatrains, with each stanza having four lines. The poem has a simple and straightforward structure, with each line consisting of five or seven syllables. The rhyming scheme used in the poem is abab.

Poem Analysis

The poem starts with the poet expressing his admiration for his friend Meng Hao-Jan. The first quatrain sets the tone for the poem, with Li Po describing his friend as a "man of the mountains" who lived a simple life. The poet goes on to say that Meng Hao-Jan was a man of great wisdom, who lived in harmony with nature.

"You ask me why I dwell in the green mountains; I smile and make no reply for my heart is free of care. As the peach blossom flows down stream and is gone into the unknown, I have a world apart that is not among men."

The second quatrain describes the poet's longing to see his friend again. Li Po uses the image of a bird flying over a mountain to convey his feelings of yearning. The bird is a metaphor for the poet's desire to be reunited with his friend.

"Amidst the flowers a jug of wine, I pour alone lacking companionship. So raising the cup I invite the moon, Then turn to my shadow which makes three of us."

The third quatrain continues with the theme of longing and expresses the poet's sadness at being separated from his friend. Li Po uses the image of a boat traveling on a river to convey his feelings of loneliness.

"Because of the beauty of the moonlight, The sorrow of my thoughts grows heavy in my heart. Sitting alone with my shadow, In the rustling bamboo grove I long for none."

The fourth quatrain expresses the poet's admiration for his friend's simple and humble way of life. Li Po uses the image of a hermit living in a cave to convey his friend's dedication to a life of simplicity.

"The moon like a flower, her red stains the sky; The wind is like a soft, whispered sigh. I pass by the bamboo and ride on the breeze; In the deep of night the hermit's light is dim."

The fifth quatrain continues with the theme of admiration for Meng Hao-Jan's way of life. Li Po uses the image of a crane flying in the sky to convey his friend's freedom and independence.

"The dawn light is dim on the distant mountain, But a thousand leagues cannot dim my longing. The moonlight is bright in my old home, And beside the window I dream of you, my friend."

The sixth quatrain expresses the poet's sadness at being separated from his friend. Li Po uses the image of a stream flowing into a river to convey his feelings of loss and emptiness.

"How long can one man's life be? The autumn moon is climbing the sky. When I must go, why not come and see me And I'll be waiting for you on the western hill."

The seventh quatrain continues with the theme of longing and expresses the poet's hope of being reunited with his friend. Li Po uses the image of a boat sailing on a river to convey his feelings of anticipation.

"I hear a fisherman singing in his boat; I watch the dragonfly sail by. Why must we let our thoughts and desires wander far from where we are?"

The final quatrain concludes the poem with the poet expressing his desire to see his friend again. Li Po uses the image of a bird returning to its nest to convey his feelings of hope and joy.

"How glad I am to hear the traveler's song! We have been parted so long. If you are not yet dead, come back again, Let us renew our friendship, as in the past."

Interpretation of the Poem

"For Meng Hao-Jan" is a poem that is full of themes and motifs that are found throughout Chinese literature. The poem expresses the themes of friendship, simplicity, and the beauty of nature. The poet's admiration for his friend's simple and humble way of life is a recurring motif in the poem.

Li Po's use of imagery in the poem is remarkable. He uses images of nature, such as the moon, the flowers, the river, and the mountains, to convey his feelings of longing, sadness, and hope. The images of the bird, the boat, and the crane are used to convey the poet's desire to be reunited with his friend.

The poem can also be seen as a reflection of Li Po's own life. Li Po was a renowned poet who lived during the Tang dynasty. He was known for his love of wine, his wanderlust, and his unconventional lifestyle. Like Meng Hao-Jan, he was a man who lived in harmony with nature and valued simplicity over material wealth.

Li Po's admiration for his friend Meng Hao-Jan can be seen as a reflection of his own desire for a life of simplicity and independence. The poem expresses Li Po's longing for a friend who shares his values and his appreciation for nature.

Conclusion

"For Meng Hao-Jan" is a masterpiece in Chinese poetry. The poem's beauty, simplicity, and depth continue to inspire and fascinate readers even today. The poem expresses themes of friendship, simplicity, and the beauty of nature, and its use of imagery is remarkable.

Li Po's admiration for his friend Meng Hao-Jan can be seen as a reflection of his own desire for a life of simplicity and independence. The poem is a reflection of Li Po's own life, and it expresses his longing for a friend who shares his values and his appreciation for nature.

For those who appreciate Chinese poetry, "For Meng Hao-Jan" is a must-read. Its simplicity and beauty make it a classic that will continue to be admired and enjoyed for many years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

For Meng Hao-Jan: A Poem of Friendship and Nature

Li Po, one of the most celebrated poets of the Tang Dynasty, wrote a beautiful poem titled "For Meng Hao-Jan" that captures the essence of friendship and nature. This classic poem has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers with its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and philosophical insights.

The poem begins with Li Po describing the beauty of the natural world, with its mountains, rivers, and forests. He marvels at the way the clouds and mist dance around the peaks, and how the moon and stars illuminate the darkness. This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is infused with a sense of wonder and awe at the majesty of nature.

But the poem is not just a celebration of the natural world. It is also a tribute to Li Po's friend, Meng Hao-Jan, who is mentioned in the title. Li Po describes how he and Meng Hao-Jan would often wander through the mountains and forests together, enjoying the beauty of the landscape and the company of each other. He speaks of their deep bond of friendship, which is strengthened by their shared love of nature.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly poignant, as Li Po reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. He speaks of how the seasons come and go, and how the flowers bloom and wither. He notes that even the mountains and rivers will eventually erode and disappear. This sense of impermanence is a recurring theme in Chinese poetry, and it reflects the Taoist philosophy that Li Po and many of his contemporaries embraced.

Despite this awareness of the fleeting nature of life, Li Po finds solace in the beauty of the present moment. He speaks of how he and Meng Hao-Jan would sit by a stream and watch the fish swim by, or climb a mountain and gaze out at the horizon. These simple pleasures are what give life meaning, and they are what Li Po cherishes most.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most famous, as it contains the iconic lines: "We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains." This image of Li Po and Meng Hao-Jan sitting in silence, contemplating the mountain, is a powerful metaphor for the relationship between humans and nature. It suggests that we are all part of the same cosmic order, and that our lives are intimately connected to the natural world.

Overall, "For Meng Hao-Jan" is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry that captures the essence of friendship, nature, and the human condition. It is a testament to Li Po's skill as a poet, as well as his deep understanding of Taoist philosophy. The poem continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing the present moment.

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