Farewell Under the Willow: The Loneliness of a Wandering Life
In ancient China, the act of drinking farewell wine and then parting ways often marked the beginning of a journey filled with uncertainty and solitude. This is beautifully illustrated in the evocative verse of the poet Xu Changtu. Through vivid imagery and deep emotion, Xu captures the melancholy and transient nature of life, as well as the pain of perpetual separation.
A Farewell at the Pavilion
After the farewell drinks, friends reluctantly part, waving their hands in a final goodbye. This scene is steeped in regret and a sense of life’s fleeting and unstable nature. As the poet looks back, the willows, shrouded in mist and fog, obscure his view, symbolizing the separation from his friends. Ahead, the sky is clear, and a solitary wild goose flies into the distance, emphasizing his isolation. The evening sun paints the sky a deep red, reflecting his inner loneliness. He wonders where the beautifully decorated boat will anchor tonight, fearing that the night tides will leave him moored in the moonlit stillness by the riverbank. When the wine wears off and he sobers up, the sorrow becomes even more unbearable. The candle burns down, and he lies awake on his lonely pillow, while the cold wind of dawn stirs small waves on the water.
A Life of Wandering
The poem begins with “Farewell drinks at the pavilion, drifting through a transient life,” capturing the essence of the poet’s existence. He feels like a tumble, blown aimlessly across the land, lamenting the instability and ephemeral nature of life. The term “transient life” is derived from Zhuangzi’s saying, “Life is like a floating existence, death like a rest.” This philosophy underlines the poet’s sorrow as he embarks on his journey, facing a life as transient and rootless as a tumble. The poet’s life during the turbulent transition from the Tang to the Song dynasty is reflected in his writing, which often echoes the chaos and instability of that era.
As the poet bids farewell to his friends, he frequently looks back, seeing the willows along the riverbank enveloped in layers of mist. This imagery serves a dual purpose: it illustrates the scenery and conveys his feelings. The misty willows represent the poet’s heavy heart, filled with the sorrow of parting. The sight of the willows evokes memories and deepens his sense of loss, as willow trees are traditionally associated with parting in Chinese culture.
A Lonely Evening
Turning away from the riverbank, the poet gazes into the distance, where faint clouds and the call of a lone wild goose fill the sky. The setting sun bathes the horizon in red, mirroring his emotional state. This scene recalls the lines from Li Bai’s poem: “The floating clouds reflect the wanderer’s thoughts, the setting sun carries the feelings of old friends.” The poet feels as adrift as the clouds, as solitary as the wild goose, and the setting sun’s glow intensifies his longing for home and loved ones. This vivid portrayal transitions from the present scene to a broader reflection on the poet’s future as a wanderer. The interplay between real and imagined scenery enriches the poem’s emotional depth, making the natural landscape a reflection of the poet’s inner turmoil.
Night on the River
The second half of the poem delves into the poet’s solitary journey. “Where will the decorated boat anchor tonight? The tide ebbs, the Huai River moon is hazy.” The poet envisions his lonely boat drifting under the vast evening sky. The mention of the Huai River moon adds to the melancholic atmosphere, blending the poet’s feelings with the cold, remote landscape. His sorrow becomes overwhelming, and he turns to wine for temporary solace. However, as the effects of the alcohol fade, his sorrow only deepens, emphasizing his helplessness and despair. The word “helpless” underscores his profound sense of melancholy.
Restless Night
The poem concludes with the poet’s restless night: “The candle burns low, the lonely pillow dreams, light waves, the dawn wind.” He lies awake, filled with endless sorrow, until the candle finally burns out and he falls into a troubled sleep. The gentle rocking of the boat in the pre-dawn breeze awakens him from his brief slumber. The “dawn wind,” cold and desolate, exacerbates his sense of isolation and grief. This final scene vividly captures the poet’s deep sadness and the profound emotional impact of his separation from loved ones.
The 20th-century scholar Yu Biyun praised Xu Changtu’s “Lament by the River” for its vivid depiction of the scenery and its ability to evoke the reader’s emotions, even centuries later. The poem’s strength lies in its seamless integration of the poet’s feelings with the surrounding landscape. By depicting the natural environment, Xu subtly conveys his deep-seated sorrow and the pain of separation. The poem’s intricate structure and emotional resonance make it a timeless reflection on the human condition and the enduring sorrow of a wandering life.
Through Xu Changtu’s poignant verse, we gain insight into the emotional landscape of a traveler in ancient China. The imagery of misty willows, solitary geese, and the cold dawn wind not only paints a vivid picture of the natural world but also serves as a powerful metaphor for the poet’s inner journey. His lament for a life of constant movement and separation resonates across time, offering a glimpse into the universal human experience of longing and loss.