A Letter to Lu Zhi - Wei Yingwu
/简卢陟 - 韦应物/
Reflecting on Friendship from Afar
简卢陟
A Letter to Lu Zhi
识荆昔在楚
I came to know you in the land of Chu long ago,
此别尚踟蹰
Yet at this parting, I still hesitate to leave.
洛下逢时彦
In Luoyang, you found worthy minds to befriend,
淮阴写素书
While by the Huai River, you sent me simple letters.
虚名负卿士
A hollow reputation can betray a noble heart,
清夜想交疏
In the quiet of night, I ponder our distant bond.
近得诗篇妙
Recently, I received your marvelous verses,
何当共叙余
Oh, when shall we share our thoughts face to face again?
In this poem by Wei Yingwu, written as a letter to his friend Lu Zhi, the poet expresses the deep sense of friendship and longing that arises from extended separation. Set against the backdrop of Tang Dynasty China, the verses paint an intimate portrait of two companions whose paths once crossed in the land of Chu. Though life’s journeys have taken them to places as distant as Luoyang and the banks of the Huai River, their connection endures through sincere exchanges of letters and heartfelt poetry.
The poet’s wistful tone emerges in lines that reflect upon the uncertainty of leaving, as well as the aching desire for reunion. A “hollow reputation” speaks to the fleeting nature of worldly success, hinting that true worth lies instead in meaningful human bonds. As night falls, the poet contemplates the distance between himself and his friend, remembering past meetings and reading fresh verses that rekindle memories. Implicitly, the question becomes: when shall they finally meet again?
Throughout, Wei Yingwu’s style exhibits both elegance and personal warmth, capturing the spirit of a time when literary correspondence was a powerful means of sustaining friendships. The poem stands as a reminder that even across great distances, kindred spirits can remain close through mutual respect, shared history, and the timeless art of poetry.
Key points
True friendship can bridge any gap. Bonds formed through shared experiences and heartfelt writing transcend both time and distance.