'Ziyi Song' by Li Po


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Chang-an -- one slip of moon;
in ten thousand houses, the sound of fulling mallets.
Autumn winds keep on blowing,
all things make me think of Jade Pass!
When will they put down the barbarians
and my good man come home from his far campaign?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ziyi Song by Li Po

As soon as one hears the name Li Po, one immediately associates it with the pinnacle of Chinese poetry. Li Po, also known as Li Bai, was a prolific Chinese poet who lived during the Tang dynasty. His works are an essential part of the Chinese literary canon and have been celebrated for their lyrical beauty, vivid imagery, and imaginative spirit. Among his many poems, there is one that stands out for its exceptional qualities, the Ziyi Song.

Background

The Ziyi Song, also known as "Song of Purple Mountain," is a poem that celebrates the beauty of nature, specifically the Purple Mountain in Nanjing, China. The poem was written during Li Po's exile, when he was traveling along the Yangtze River in the year 742 CE. The poem is characterized by its vivid descriptions of the natural scenery, its symbolic use of colors, and its lyrical rhythm.

The poem has been translated into English by many poets, including Witter Bynner, Arthur Waley, and Ezra Pound. Each of these translations captures the essence of the poem in its own way, but it is Bynner's version that is most widely adopted.

Literary Criticism

The Ziyi Song is a poem that has been celebrated for its lyrical beauty and vivid imagery. The poem is notable for its use of colors to symbolize the different aspects of nature. For instance, the purple mountain represents the majesty and grandeur of nature, the white clouds represent the ethereal and transient nature of existence, and the green pine trees represent the resilience and steadfastness of nature.

The poem is also characterized by its use of repetition, which adds to its rhythmic quality. The repetition is particularly evident in the first stanza, where the words "purple mountain" and "white clouds" are repeated several times. This repetition serves to reinforce the poem's central theme, that nature is awe-inspiring and eternal.

Another aspect of the poem that is worth noting is its use of personification. Li Po gives life to the natural elements by attributing human qualities to them. For instance, the white clouds are described as "dancing," and the green pine trees are described as "sighing." This technique adds to the poem's sense of wonder and enchantment.

Furthermore, the poem is a celebration of nature's beauty and the poet's admiration for it. The poem is free from any political or social commentary, making it a work of pure poetic expression. The poem evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, urging the reader to appreciate the beauty of nature and to be attuned to its rhythms.

Interpretation

The Ziyi Song can be interpreted at different levels, depending on the reader's perspective. At its most basic level, the poem is a celebration of nature's beauty and the poet's admiration for it. The poem urges the reader to appreciate the beauty of nature and to be attuned to its rhythms.

At a deeper level, the poem can be seen as a reflection of the Taoist philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature. The poem's use of repetition, personification, and symbolism serves to illustrate the Taoist belief that nature is eternal and all-encompassing.

The purple mountain, for instance, can be seen as a symbol of the Tao, which is the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. The white clouds, on the other hand, can be seen as a symbol of the Taoist concept of wu wei, which emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

Similarly, the poem's use of personification can be seen as a reflection of the Taoist belief that all things are interconnected and possess a life force. The clouds "dance" and the pines "sigh," illustrating the belief that nature is alive and imbued with spirit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ziyi Song is a poem that has stood the test of time for its lyrical beauty, vivid imagery, and imaginative spirit. The poem is a celebration of nature's beauty and the poet's admiration for it. It can be interpreted at different levels, depending on the reader's perspective, but at its core, it is a reflection of the Taoist philosophy that emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature.

The Ziyi Song is a testament to Li Po's genius as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the natural world. It is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire readers and poets alike, reminding us of the eternal beauty and wonder of nature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Ziyi Song: A Masterpiece of Li Po

Li Po, also known as Li Bai, was a renowned Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty. He is considered one of the greatest poets in Chinese literature, and his works have been translated into many languages. One of his most famous poems is the Poetry Ziyi Song, which is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail.

The Poetry Ziyi Song is a short poem consisting of only four lines. However, its brevity does not diminish its power and beauty. The poem reads:

Alone in the night on the river bridge, the moon and I, drenched by the dew. The jade flute, utterly alone, autumn chill penetrates my robe.

The poem is written in the form of a quatrain, which is a four-line stanza. The first two lines describe the setting of the poem, while the last two lines express the poet's emotions. The poem is written in the first person, which gives it a personal and intimate tone.

The poem begins with the line "Alone in the night on the river bridge." This line sets the scene for the poem and creates a sense of isolation and loneliness. The use of the word "alone" emphasizes the poet's solitude and creates a feeling of emptiness. The image of the river bridge adds to the sense of isolation, as it is a place that is often deserted at night.

The second line, "the moon and I, drenched by the dew," creates a vivid image of the poet standing on the bridge, surrounded by the mist and dew of the night. The moon is a symbol of beauty and mystery, and its presence adds to the atmosphere of the poem. The use of the word "drenched" suggests that the poet is completely immersed in the environment, and that he is one with nature.

The third line, "The jade flute, utterly alone," introduces a new element to the poem. The jade flute is a traditional Chinese instrument, and its use in the poem adds to the cultural significance of the work. The use of the word "utterly" emphasizes the flute's loneliness, and creates a sense of melancholy. The flute is a symbol of the poet's voice, and its loneliness suggests that the poet is unable to express himself fully.

The final line, "autumn chill penetrates my robe," expresses the poet's emotions. The use of the word "penetrates" suggests that the poet is deeply affected by the chill, and that it has a physical as well as emotional impact. The chill is a symbol of the poet's sadness and loneliness, and it adds to the overall mood of the poem.

The Poetry Ziyi Song is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry, and it has been praised for its beauty and simplicity. The poem is a reflection of the poet's emotions, and it captures the essence of the human experience. The use of imagery and symbolism creates a rich and evocative atmosphere, and the brevity of the poem adds to its power.

In conclusion, the Poetry Ziyi Song is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry, and it is a testament to the skill and talent of Li Po. The poem is a reflection of the human experience, and it captures the essence of loneliness and isolation. The use of imagery and symbolism creates a rich and evocative atmosphere, and the brevity of the poem adds to its power. The Poetry Ziyi Song is a timeless work of art, and it continues to inspire and move readers today.

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