A Lament of the Long Night: A Translation and Interpretation of “Confessing Deep Feelings” by Gu Xiong
The poem “诉衷情” by Gu Xiong, a noted Tang Dynasty poet, encapsulates the deep emotional turmoil experienced by a woman abandoned by her lover. The poem, often referred to by its alternate titles “桃花水” (Peach Blossom Water) or “怨孤衾” (Lament of the Lonely Quilt), delves into themes of longing, abandonment, and the pain of unrequited love. This translation aims to capture the essence of the original Chinese text while making it accessible and resonant for an English-speaking audience.
Translation
Original Poem:
漫漫长夜你撇下我去了哪里啊？没有一点音讯。香阁门紧紧关上，眉儿紧紧皱起，月亮就要西沉。怎么忍心不苦苦追寻你啊？怨恨这孤眠独寝。只有换我的心，变作你的心，你才会知道这相思有多么深。
Translated Poem:
In the endless long night, where have you gone, leaving me behind? Not a single word from you. The fragrant pavilion’s doors are tightly shut, my brows furrowed in sorrow, the moon about to set. How can I bear not to search for you desperately? I resent this lonely bed. Only by exchanging my heart for yours, would you know the depth of my longing.
Analysis and Interpretation
The poem begins with a direct and poignant question: “In the endless long night, where have you gone, leaving me behind?” This line sets the tone for the entire poem, emphasizing the speaker’s sense of abandonment and despair. The use of “漫漫长夜” (endless long night) not only underscores the physical length of the night but also metaphorically represents the seemingly unending sorrow and loneliness the speaker endures.
The following line, “没有一点音讯” (Not a single word from you), deepens the sense of desolation. The absence of communication from the lover amplifies the speaker’s feelings of isolation and abandonment. This lack of contact is a powerful indicator of the emotional distance that has grown between the speaker and her lover.
In the lines “香阁门紧紧关上，眉儿紧紧皱起，月亮就要西沉” (The fragrant pavilion’s doors are tightly shut, my brows furrowed in sorrow, the moon about to set), the poet masterfully uses imagery to convey the speaker’s internal state. The “香阁” (fragrant pavilion) suggests a once beautiful and vibrant place that is now closed off and desolate, mirroring the speaker’s heart. The furrowed brows indicate her deep distress, while the setting moon symbolizes the passage of time and the fading of hope.
The pivotal moment of the poem comes with the lines “怎么忍心不苦苦追寻你啊？怨恨这孤眠独寝” (How can I bear not to search for you desperately? I resent this lonely bed). Here, the speaker’s internal conflict is laid bare. Despite knowing the futility of her search, she cannot help but yearn for her lost lover. The term “争忍” (how can I bear) reflects her inability to suppress her longing, while “怨孤衾” (I resent this lonely bed) captures the physical and emotional emptiness she feels.
The concluding lines, “只有换我的心，变作你的心，你才会知道这相思有多么深” (Only by exchanging my heart for yours, would you know the depth of my longing), express a profound and desperate desire for empathy. The speaker wishes her lover could understand the depth of her feelings by experiencing them firsthand. This idea of heart exchange, while impossible, poignantly illustrates the extent of her emotional suffering and her longing for mutual understanding.
Cultural and Literary Context
The poem “诉衷情” belongs to the genre of ci poetry, a form that flourished during the Tang and Song dynasties. Ci poetry often explores themes of love, longing, and the passage of time, with a focus on personal emotion and refined language. Gu Xiong, the poet, is known for his ability to express deep emotional states with clarity and elegance.
The alternate titles of the poem, “桃花水” (Peach Blossom Water) and “怨孤衾” (Lament of the Lonely Quilt), provide additional layers of meaning. “桃花水” refers to the imagery of flowing water and peach blossoms, symbolizing fleeting beauty and the passage of time. “怨孤衾” emphasizes the speaker’s loneliness and resentment towards her solitary state.
In traditional Chinese culture, the imagery of the moon, night, and closed doors is laden with symbolic meaning. The moon often represents longing and separation, while the closed doors signify emotional barriers and isolation. These symbols, combined with the poet’s evocative language, create a rich tapestry of emotional expression that resonates deeply with the reader.
Gu Xiong’s “诉衷情” is a masterful exploration of love, longing, and the pain of abandonment. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, the poem captures the speaker’s deep emotional turmoil and desire for understanding. This translation aims to bring the essence of the original text to an English-speaking audience, highlighting the universal themes of love and loss that transcend cultural boundaries. By delving into the cultural and literary context, we can appreciate the depth and beauty of Gu Xiong’s poetry and its enduring relevance.