Returning from East Mountain

As I embarked on my journey from East Mountain, I was filled with the hope of returning home. However, this hope had long been in vain. Now, as I return, a misty rain shrouds the sky, mirroring my melancholy. This poem, “Dong Shan” from the ancient Chinese classic “Shi Jing” (The Book of Songs), captures the emotional journey of a soldier who has endured the hardships of war and longs for the peace of home.

A Journey of Longing

The poem opens with a stark declaration: “Since I embarked on the expedition to East Mountain, my wish to return home has been in vain.” This line sets the tone for the entire poem, conveying the deep sense of yearning and despair felt by the soldier. The use of simple yet powerful imagery, such as the misty rain upon his return, creates a vivid picture of the soldier’s emotional state. The rain not only sets a somber mood but also symbolizes the tears and sorrow that accompany his journey.

The Burden of War

As the poem progresses, we learn about the soldier’s experiences during his time away. He recalls the hardships of military life, vividly depicted through the comparison to the life of wild silkworms crawling on trees and field mulberries. The soldier’s life is one of constant struggle, sleeping wherever he can find shelter, often under the carriage. This imagery highlights the harsh reality of a soldier’s existence, far removed from the comforts of home.

The soldier’s longing for home is palpable as he imagines the life he left behind. He dreams of discarding his military uniform and donning the clothes of a civilian. This act of changing clothes symbolizes a return to normalcy, a shedding of the burdens of war. The soldier’s desire for peace and normality is a universal theme that resonates with readers across cultures and time periods.

The Devastation of War

The second stanza shifts the focus to the soldier’s home and the changes that have occurred in his absence. He imagines the devastation wrought by war on his once-thriving village. The once-bustling fields are now overgrown with gourds, and the house is infested with dampness and insects. The once-beautiful spider webs that now hang at the entrance of the house signify the passage of time and the neglect that has befallen his home.

The imagery of deer tracks in the fields and phosphorescent lights flickering at night paints a picture of desolation. Yet, despite the dilapidated state of his home, the soldier’s longing for it only grows stronger. This paradox underscores the deep emotional connection the soldier has with his home, a place that holds his memories and dreams, despite its current state of neglect.

Yearning for Reunion

The third stanza delves into the soldier’s thoughts about his wife, who waits anxiously for his return. The white stork calls on the hill, while his wife sighs inside the house. She busies herself with household chores, such as sweeping the house and blocking mouse holes, in anticipation of his return. The soldier’s longing for his wife is mirrored by her own yearning for him, creating a poignant image of mutual longing.

The description of the soldier’s wife cutting gourds and neglecting the old objects around the house further emphasizes the passage of time. The soldier’s absence has left a void, and his wife struggles to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his absence. The soldier’s reflections on his wife’s efforts to keep their home intact highlight the enduring bond between them, despite the physical separation.

Sweet Memories and Harsh Realities

In the final stanza, the soldier reminisces about the joyous moments of his life before the war. He recalls the day he got married, the yellow horse that accompanied him, and the elaborate wedding ceremony. The memories of his wedding day stand in stark contrast to the harsh realities of his current life. The happiness of those days only makes the present seem more unbearable.

The soldier’s reflections on his wife’s dowry and the traditional wedding rituals evoke a sense of nostalgia. The contrast between the past and present highlights the impact of war on personal lives. The soldier’s longing for a return to those happy days is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.

The Universal Theme of Longing

The poem “Dong Shan” is a poignant reflection on the emotional toll of war. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, the poet captures the universal theme of longing for home and the devastation that war brings to personal lives. The soldier’s journey from East Mountain is not just a physical journey but also an emotional one, marked by longing, despair, and a deep connection to home.

The poem’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful imagery is a testament to the enduring power of “Shi Jing” and its influence on Chinese literature. The themes of war, longing, and the passage of time resonate with readers across cultures and time periods, making “Dong Shan” a timeless piece of literature.

As we read “Dong Shan,” we are reminded of the human cost of war and the enduring power of home and family. The soldier’s journey is a reflection of the universal human experience, capturing the essence of longing and the hope for a better future. Through its vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, “Dong Shan” continues to inspire and resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into the emotional landscape of a soldier’s heart.