“Farewell under the Willow: An Ode to Ancient Partings”

The Willow’s Shade: A Silent Witness to Partings

In the heat of the midday sun, the shadows of the willows fall straight upon the ground, their thin green branches swaying gently in the misty air. This scene is set on the ancient Sui Dike, built near the capital Bianjing during the reign of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. The dike, a crucial route for travelers heading to and from the capital, has witnessed countless farewells over the centuries. The poet recalls seeing the catkins flutter in the breeze, sending off hurried travelers. Standing on the high dike, gazing towards his distant hometown of Hangzhou, the poet feels a deep sense of fatigue from his long stay in the bustling capital. Who, he wonders, could understand the hidden pains of his heart?

The Routine of Farewells: An Endless Cycle

“柳阴直，烟里丝丝弄碧” (The willow’s shade is straight, its delicate branches play with the green in the mist). The poet paints a vivid picture of the willows on the dike. At noon, the shadows fall straight, creating a line along the dike, much like a perspective drawing in a painting. The new willow branches, thin and tender, seem aware of their delicate beauty, swaying deliberately to show off their green hue through the spring mist, adding a touch of hazy beauty.

The poet reminisces about the countless times he has seen the willows on the Sui Dike sending off others: “隋堤上，曾见几番，拂水飘绵送行色” (On the Sui Dike, I have seen several times, the willows brushing the water, catkins floating, sending off the travelers). These lines finely capture the gentle farewell gesture of the willows, their branches brushing the water as if reluctant to let the travelers go. Climbing the high dike to gaze towards his hometown, the poet is touched by the returning travelers, stirring his own homesickness. This sense of melancholy and weariness from the capital life, who can truly understand?

The Long Pavilion: A Place of Constant Farewells

The poet reflects on the long pavilion by the roadside, a place where people rest and bid farewell: “长亭路，年去岁来，应折柔条过千尺” (Along the road with pavilions, year after year, we must have broken thousands of willow branches). The ancient custom of breaking willow branches as a farewell gesture is highlighted here, symbolizing the frequent partings that occur year after year. The poet’s contemplation on the human experience of separation and the depth of his feelings make these lines particularly poignant.

The Sorrow of Separation: A Farewell Under the Willows

As the poet prepares to leave, he recalls a previous farewell: “又酒趁哀弦，灯照离席。梨花榆火催寒食” (Again, we drank to sad music, the lamps shone on the farewell feast. Pear blossoms and elm fires reminded us of the approaching Cold Food Festival). The Cold Food Festival, a time when fire was forbidden and new fires were lit after the festival, adds to the atmosphere of sorrow and reminiscence. The poet’s thoughts drift back to a night before the Cold Food Festival, when a loved one had bid him farewell under the lanterns, accompanied by mournful music.

The Journey Begins: A Melancholic Departure

As the poet’s boat sets off, he feels a deep sorrow: “愁一箭风快，半篙波暖，回头迢递便数驿，望人在天北” (I sorrowfully note how fast the wind carries us like an arrow, the pole dips into the warm waves, turning back I see the distant relay stations, seeing the farewell figure as if in the northern sky). The swift journey should bring joy, but the poet feels only sorrow, reluctant to leave someone behind. Turning back, he sees the figure of the one who sent him off, now a distant silhouette in the northern sky.

The Quiet Desolation of the Farewell Riverbank

As the boat moves further away, the poet’s feelings of regret and sorrow intensify: “凄恻，恨堆积” (Sadness, regrets accumulate). The journey along the meandering river, passing silent lookout posts, adds to the poet’s sense of desolation. The gradually setting sun and the endless spring scenery create a vast, empty backdrop that emphasizes his loneliness: “渐别浦萦回，津堠岑寂。斜阳冉冉春无极” (Gradually, the river’s bends and the silent ferry stations, the setting sun slowly descends, spring seems endless).

The Memories of Past: A Dream-like Nostalgia

The poet’s mind drifts to memories of past companionship: “念月榭携手，露桥闻笛。沉思前事，似梦里，泪暗滴” (Remembering holding hands under the moonlit pavilion, hearing the flute at the dewy bridge. Thinking deeply of past events, like in a dream, I shed silent tears). These memories, though tinged with sorrow, are also treasured moments that he recalls with a sense of dream-like nostalgia. The poet’s quiet tears reflect the depth of his unspoken feelings, known only to himself.

Conclusion: The Poetic Lament of Ancient Farewells

This poem, while titled “The Willow,” is not just about the tree but uses it to evoke the sorrow of parting. The ancient custom of breaking willow branches as a farewell gesture is a central theme, illustrating the poet’s deep emotions. The detailed descriptions of the willows, the dike, and the scenes of farewell create a vivid and touching portrayal of the poet’s experiences. The layers of meaning and the delicate balance of emotion and scenery make this poem a timeless elegy to the human experience of separation and longing.