Moonlit Chang’an: Li Bai’s “Autumn Song”

In Li Bai’s Tang dynasty poem “Autumn Song,” the city of Chang’an basks in the brilliance of the autumn moonlight, amidst the rhythmic sounds of pounding clothes across countless households. The autumn wind, relentless in its blowing, always evokes thoughts of loved ones stationed at the frontier pass. When will the enemy at the border be pacified, so my beloved can finally return from afar?

Annotation:

Moonlight: Radiant moonlight.

Countless households: Refers to many households.

Pounding clothes: Beating clothes on a stone to soften them for tailoring.

Blowing endlessly: Cannot be dispersed by blowing.

Yumen Pass: Historical site northwest of Dunhuang, Gansu, metaphorically refers to the frontier where loved ones are stationed.

Pacify the enemies: To pacify invading enemies on the border.

Beloved: Refers to a husband in ancient times.

Cease: To end.

Translation:

The autumn moon shines brightly over Chang’an, casting a glow across the city while the sounds of clothes being pounded resonate from every household. The autumn wind blows relentlessly, yet its sound always reminds me of my loved one stationed at Yumen Pass. When will we see an end to border conflicts, so my husband can finally return home from his long journey?

Expanded Text for American Audience Understanding

Li Bai’s “Autumn Song” transports readers to the ancient capital of Chang’an during a serene autumn night, where the moonlight bathes the city in a soft glow. Li Bai, known for his evocative poetry, paints a vivid picture of everyday life intertwined with the longing for peace and reunion.

Imagine walking through the streets of Chang’an, the bustling heart of the Tang dynasty, where each household is busy with the mundane yet essential task of pounding clothes. This rhythmic activity, accompanied by the gentle autumn breeze, creates a tranquil atmosphere punctuated only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant echoes of the city’s nocturnal activities.

The poem’s imagery of the radiant autumn moon reflects not only natural beauty but also a deeper emotional resonance. Li Bai’s choice of “countless households” emphasizes the universality of domestic life, where families engage in daily chores while harboring hopes and anxieties for loved ones far away. The pounding of clothes symbolizes both the practical necessity of household chores and the enduring rhythm of life in Chang’an.

Central to the poem is the theme of separation and longing. The relentless autumn wind, described as blowing without end, serves as a poignant metaphor for the enduring nature of separation from loved ones. The poet’s thoughts turn to Yumen Pass, a strategic frontier post where many Tang dynasty soldiers were stationed to guard against incursions from the north and west. Here, “Yumen Pass” symbolizes not just a geographical location but also the emotional distance that separates families during times of conflict and war.

Li Bai’s invocation to “pacify the enemies” speaks to a universal desire for peace and stability. The poet longs for the day when border conflicts will cease, allowing his beloved husband, stationed at the frontier, to return safely home. This sentiment resonates across cultures and epochs, reflecting the timeless yearning for reunion and the cessation of strife.

In exploring Li Bai’s “Autumn Song,” it is essential to appreciate its cultural and historical context. Chang’an, as the capital of the Tang dynasty, was not only a political and economic center but also a vibrant cultural hub where poets and scholars alike flourished. Li Bai’s poetry, characterized by its lyrical beauty and profound introspection, captures the essence of Tang dynasty society—a period marked by both artistic brilliance and geopolitical challenges.

The poem’s closing lines, with their plea for the return of a beloved husband from distant battlefields, evoke a sense of empathy and compassion. Li Bai’s portrayal of domestic life and yearning transcends time and place, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring human spirit in the face of separation and adversity.

In conclusion, “Autumn Song” by Li Bai remains a testament to the enduring power of poetry to evoke emotions and provoke contemplation. Through its rich imagery and poignant themes, the poem continues to resonate with readers, offering insights into the complexities of human emotions and aspirations. Li Bai’s masterful composition invites us to explore the intersections of personal longing, societal duty, and the quest for peace—a timeless journey that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the universal longing for connection and harmony.