March Through Mountains and Rivers
The majestic peaks rise sharply, their layers of rock jutting into the sky. The mountains are formidable, the waters far-reaching. The soldiers, both commanders and troops, march tirelessly day and night, heading eastward regardless of dawn or dusk. The journey is fraught with difficulties, with steep cliffs and rocky crags blocking the path. The soldiers press on, undeterred by the harsh terrain or the uncertain end of their journey.
The poem paints a vivid picture of the arduous march, with its tone reminiscent of the “Guo Feng” section in the “Book of Songs.” Unlike the “Mao Preface” interpretation, which suggests a lengthy campaign, this poem focuses on the immediate challenges of the march. The first two stanzas repeat, emphasizing the soldiers’ encounters with steep cliffs and the vast, seemingly endless landscape. The poet’s exclamations, “How high they are!” and “How steep they are!” express the soldiers’ awe and exhaustion as they face the towering mountains.
The first two lines of each stanza describe the scene, while the middle lines reflect the soldiers’ feelings. They lament the distant mountains and rivers, the exhausting climb, and their desperate desire to reach their destination. However, the vastness of the landscape leaves them uncertain when they will arrive. The final lines of each stanza highlight the urgency of their march, emphasizing that they are heading eastward on a critical mission.
In the third stanza, the poet shifts focus to the sky, describing celestial phenomena that suggest a night march. Zhu Xi, a Song Dynasty scholar, notes that the first four lines indicate signs of impending rain: “White-hoofed pigs crossing the water” and “The moon near the Pleiades constellation” are traditional weather omens. Modern scholars, like Wen Yiduo, support this interpretation, noting that the poem references well-known meteorological sayings.
The image of “pigs crossing the water” likely refers to a celestial phenomenon. Ancient texts, such as “The Book of Changes,” mention “heavenly pigs” as an omen for rain. The “Black Pig Crossing the River” refers to dark clouds in the Milky Way, a sign of heavy rain. The poet’s use of these omens indicates their concern about the potential for torrential rain, which would make the march even more difficult.
The mention of “The moon near the Pleiades” is another traditional sign of rain. The “Book of Documents” states that when the moon aligns with certain stars, it signals wind and rain. The poet uses these signs to highlight the soldiers’ anxiety about the weather, further emphasizing the urgency of their march.
The final lines of each stanza show a progression in the soldiers’ concerns. Initially, they focus on the challenges of the terrain and the urgency of their mission. As the poem progresses, their anxiety deepens, reflecting the increasing difficulty of their journey and their growing concern about the weather.
The poem’s structure, with its repetitive stanzas and vivid imagery, effectively conveys the soldiers’ hardships and determination. The repeated references to the eastward march emphasize the importance of their mission, while the descriptions of the rugged terrain and celestial omens highlight the challenges they face.
In conclusion, this poem captures the essence of an arduous military march through a challenging landscape. The soldiers’ determination and resilience are evident as they press on despite the steep cliffs, rocky crags, and impending rain. The poet’s use of vivid imagery and traditional weather omens adds depth to the portrayal of their journey, making it a compelling reflection of the hardships and uncertainties faced by those on the march.