“Du Fu’s Poem: Farewell to Wei Ba”

Expanded Translation and Analysis:

“Du Fu’s ‘Farewell to Wei Ba: A Deep Dive into Temporal and Emotional Distance”

Original Text Translation:

“Farewell to Wei Ba”

Life’s partings are as distant as the shifting stars,

Tonight, what a rare occasion it is to share this lamp’s light with you!

Youth is fleeting, and both our hair has turned grey.

Many old friends are now ghosts, and I am moved to tears.

Who could have known that after twenty years, I would return to your home?

When we last parted, you were not yet married; now, your children are many and grown.

They greet me with respect, asking from where I come.

Before I could finish my tale, they urged me to drink and eat.

In the night’s rain, fresh leeks were cut and new rice was cooked.

You, the host, lament how rare this meeting is, and we drink over ten cups in a row.

Even after ten cups, I remain sober, moved by your enduring friendship.

Tomorrow, mountains and valleys will separate us, and the vast world seems so uncertain.

Expanded Explanation for American Readers:

Introduction to the Poem:

Du Fu’s “Farewell to Wei Ba” is a poignant and reflective poem that captures the essence of parting and the passage of time. Written during the Tang Dynasty, the poem reflects Du Fu’s deep feelings about separation, the passage of time, and the joy of rekindling old friendships. It is a powerful testament to how life changes and how enduring friendships can provide solace amidst the challenges of life.

Historical and Literary Context:

Du Fu (杜甫): A revered poet of the Tang Dynasty, Du Fu is known for his profound and empathetic works that explore themes of human experience, politics, and personal relationships. His poetry often delves into the emotional and social realities of his time, making his work both relatable and timeless.

Wei Ba (卫八): Although specific details about Wei Ba’s life are sparse, he is depicted as a reclusive scholar or gentleman, which was a common social role during the Tang Dynasty. The poem reflects Du Fu’s personal sentiments towards Wei Ba, capturing the essence of their reunion after many years.

Imagery and Themes:

Stars and Distance (动如参与商): The poem begins with a comparison to celestial stars, specifically the stars Shen (参) and Shang (商), which never meet. This imagery illustrates the vastness and difficulty of maintaining connections over time, highlighting the separation that partings impose.

The Rare Reunion (今夕复何夕): Du Fu marvels at the rarity of their meeting, emphasizing the exceptional nature of their reunion. The act of sharing a lamp’s light symbolizes intimacy and the rare opportunity to reconnect after many years.

Fleeting Youth (少壮能几时): The poet reflects on the transient nature of youth, noting how both he and his friend have aged. This acknowledgment of the passage of time adds a layer of melancholy to the reunion, underscoring the changes that have occurred since their last meeting.

Friends as Ghosts (访旧半为鬼): The sorrowful realization that many of their old friends have passed away adds a poignant dimension to the poem. It reflects the inevitable losses that come with the passage of time and the emotional impact of such separations.

Children and Family (儿女忽成行): The poet is struck by how quickly life has changed for Wei Ba, who now has a family. The sight of Wei Ba’s grown children and their respectful behavior towards the poet highlights the passage of time and the progression of life.

Night Rain and Simple Fare (夜雨剪春韭，新炊间黄粱): The imagery of preparing fresh leeks and new rice in the rain evokes a sense of humble hospitality and the comfort of simple pleasures. It also reflects the depth of Wei Ba’s friendship and the effort he makes to honor his guest.

Enduring Friendship (感子故意长): Despite the passage of time and the challenges of life, the poet remains moved by the enduring nature of their friendship. The drinking of over ten cups symbolizes the depth of their connection and the joy of rekindling their bond.

Uncertain Future (明日隔山岳): The poem concludes with a reflection on the uncertainty of the future and the distance that will soon separate them. This sense of uncertainty underscores the fragility of human connections and the unpredictable nature of life.

Poem’s Structure and Style:

Elegance and Depth: Du Fu’s poem is characterized by its elegant simplicity and emotional depth. The straightforward language conveys complex feelings about time, friendship, and loss, making the poem both accessible and profound.

Symbolism and Personal Reflection: The use of celestial imagery and personal reflections enriches the poem’s emotional landscape. Du Fu’s ability to connect personal experiences with broader themes of time and change demonstrates his mastery of evocative and meaningful poetry.

Themes Explored in the Poem:

Temporal Distance: The poem explores the theme of time and distance, highlighting the emotional impact of separation and the rarity of reconnection.

Aging and Change: Du Fu reflects on the inevitable aging process and the changes that come with it, emphasizing the fleeting nature of youth and the passage of time.

Enduring Friendships: The poem celebrates the enduring nature of true friendship, despite the challenges and changes that life brings.

Hospitality and Simplicity: The imagery of humble hospitality and simple fare underscores the deep bond between the poet and Wei Ba, highlighting the value of sincere connections over material wealth.

Broader Implications of the Poem:

Du Fu’s “Farewell to Wei Ba” provides a rich exploration of the emotional complexities associated with partings, the passage of time, and the value of enduring friendships. It offers a poignant reflection on the changes that occur over time and the enduring nature of true connections. The poem’s vivid imagery and heartfelt sentiments make it a timeless piece that resonates with readers across cultures and generations.

Summary of the Poem’s Message:

In “Farewell to Wei Ba,” Du Fu captures the emotional weight of reunion and separation, reflecting on the passage of time and the changes that come with it. Through vivid imagery and personal reflections, the poem celebrates the rarity of reconnection, the enduring nature of friendship, and the simple pleasures of life. The poem concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of the uncertain future and the emotional impact of parting.