A Melancholy Autumn: Reflections on Loss and Longing in Li Qingzhao’s Poetry

In Li Qingzhao’s poetry, every verse echoes with the lingering sorrow of a woman who has lost everything in the aftermath of the Jingkang Incident. Her homeland shattered, her family gone, and her husband deceased, she finds herself wounded by the trials of life. During this period, her works no longer echo the light-heartedness of earlier days but instead reflect a somber and melancholic tone, primarily expressing her longing for her late husband and her own desolate circumstances.

This particular poem is a quintessential representation of this period in her life. From its unconventional beginning with seven consecutive pairs of repeated words, it not only showcases her mastery in composition but also evokes a musical quality that was crucial in Song Dynasty lyric poetry. Li Qingzhao, deeply knowledgeable in musical tonality, ensured that each repetition carried the weight of her grief, akin to pearls falling onto a jade plate.

The opening lines, “寻寻觅觅,” convey her restless search for something lost, depicting a sense of emptiness and confusion. Yet, all she encounters is desolation and coldness, intensifying her sense of despondency and sorrow. The phrase “乍暖还寒” captures the fickleness of autumn weather, where warmth abruptly gives way to chilling coldness, making rest and recovery all the more elusive.

Turning to wine for solace, she finds that even a few cups of light wine cannot withstand the biting evening winds. As she watches a flock of geese fly by, each one a reminder of past acquaintances, her heart sinks further. The garden, once adorned with chrysanthemums, now lay withered and neglected—she wonders if anyone will come to pick them. Alone by the window, she contemplates how to endure until nightfall amidst her solitude.

The rain falls lightly on the phoenix trees outside, a scene reminiscent of Bai Juyi’s “Autumn Rain on the Phoenix Tree Leaves” from the “Song of Eternal Sorrow.” Li Qingzhao reflects on the changing circumstances of her life with the poignant question: “怎一个愁字了得?” How can a single word “sorrow” encapsulate the depth of her feelings? This simple yet profound inquiry resonates beyond mere words, encapsulating the ineffable melancholy that permeates her existence.

Following the fall of the Jin Dynasty, Li Qingzhao’s world shattered. Her poignant verses no longer sang of carefree days but resonated with a deep sadness that mirrored her profound loss and solitude. Each carefully crafted line echoes her inner turmoil and yearning, creating a haunting melody that lingers in the hearts of those who read her works today.

This analysis reveals the complexity of Li Qingzhao’s emotional landscape, as she navigates through grief and longing, seeking solace in memories that only deepen her sense of sorrow. Her ability to express these emotions with such clarity and beauty has ensured her place as one of China’s most revered poets, her words transcending time to touch the hearts of readers across generations.