月下独酌(其一) - 李白
Drinking Alone by Moonlight (Part I) - Li Bai
A Solitary Toast Beneath the Moon
花间一壶酒，
Amidst the flowers with a single jug of wine,
独酌无相亲。
I drink alone, with no companion by my side.
举杯邀明月，
I raise my cup and invite the bright moon,
对影成三人。
Along with my shadow, we become three.
月既不解饮，
The moon does not understand the joy of drinking,
影徒随我身。
And my shadow merely follows my form.
暂伴月将影，
But for now, I take the moon and my shadow as companions,
行乐须及春。
For the pleasure of the spring night.
我歌月徘徊，
I sing, and the moon wanders hither and thither;
我舞影零乱。
I dance, and my shadow scatters in disarray.
醒时同交欢，
While sober, we share our joys together;
醉后各分散。
Once drunk, we each go our separate ways.
永结无情游，
May we be forever joined in our carefree journey,
相期邈云汉。
And meet again in the vastness of the Milky Way.
This poem, composed by the revered Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, offers an exquisite reflection on solitude, companionship, and the transcendent joy of nature. The speaker finds himself alone in a moonlit setting with just a jug of wine, yet the presence of the bright moon and his own shadow provides an imagined kinship. While the moon cannot literally partake in the wine, and the shadow can only mimic his movements, these silent companions invite a space of creativity and reverie. Through singing and dancing under the moonlight, Li Bai creates a bond not bound by words or understanding, but by shared experience in a moment of fleeting spring beauty.
The poem uses vivid imagery—flowers, moonlight, shadow—to paint a scene of both isolation and unity. Although physical companionship is absent, Li Bai finds solace in the cosmic companionship of the moon and his ephemeral shadow. His final wish, to reunite in the vast Milky Way, points to the idea that true connection is unbounded by time and physical limitations. This reinforces an overarching message: in solitary moments, if one embraces imagination and nature’s majesty, a form of deeper connection can be found.
Ultimately, “Drinking Alone by Moonlight (Part I)” is a celebration of poetic insight, urging us to look beyond immediate reality toward a timeless and infinite sense of companionship within solitude.
Key points
1. Solitude can become meaningful when guided by imagination and a connection to nature.
2. True companionship transcends literal understanding and resides in shared moments of joy.
3. Poetry and creativity help us discover beauty in the quiet spaces of life.
4. Even in loneliness, we can forge bonds that defy physical boundaries.
Comments
RadiantGliI love the phrase ‘永結無情遊.’ It’s as if Li Bai wants to be united with the moon in a timeless, emotionless dance. Yet ironically, it’s brimming with feeling.
Silent Blue EagleCompared to Du Fu’s “Moonlit Night,” which focuses on separation from family, Li Bai’s lunar imagery is more playful, even mischievous. It’s a fascinating contrast in how each poet views the moon.
Prismatic Digital DawnThere’s a timelessness in this poem’s charm. Even now, if I stand in my backyard with a cup, gazing at the moon, I feel oddly connected to his spirit.
Abstract RhythmWhen I read “月下獨酌,” I feel it pairs well with Li Bai’s “Bring in the Wine.” Both celebrate the freedom and sorrow of drinking, yet here the moon and shadow add a mystical touch.
Infinite Cosmic BeatThis poem makes me think of modern remote work culture. We’re physically alone but still trying to ‘toast’ with colleagues over virtual meetings. It’s a different type of solitary gathering but kind of resonates with Li Bai’s sentiment.
Cosmic CircuitHe addresses the moon as if it’s an old friend. You can feel his longing for genuine connection in every line.
Brave CrowLi Bai’s playful invitation to the moon feels like a daydream of cosmic companionship, even centuries later.
Nerdy Aqua Owl PitDespite the references to loneliness, the poem somehow leaves me with a feeling of contentment, as though solitude isn’t always a curse.
Stealthy LynxCompared to Du Fu’s more earnest, often melancholic verses like “Spring Hope,” Li Bai’s carefree spirit here glimmers. He keeps a sense of adventure in the face of solitude.
IronColossIt’s amazing how Li Bai can be so lighthearted and so reflective at the same time. You’re not sure whether to laugh or sigh.
Cosmic DawnHe invites us to a gathering that’s half real, half dream. It’s like stepping into a world where the moon and your shadow can be your best friends.
MysticForcA few lines, a single cup of wine, and the endless sky. Li Bai turns a quiet night into a universal metaphor for human longing.
Royal CheetahThere’s a surprisingly uplifting quality here. In the act of pouring wine, inviting the moon, Li Bai transcends loneliness through imagination. It’s like he’s saying isolation can be transformed into something poetic.
Gentle PandaReading this alongside Wang Wei’s serene nature poems, I notice that Li Bai injects a distinct vitality. Even in quiet moments, he’s bursting with energy.
HorizonDawIn a world of bustling nightlife and neon signs, I like to imagine Li Bai under an ancient sky, lifting his cup to the same moon we still see—reminding me that centuries can’t dim that gentle glow.
Nerdy Red Cat PitSometimes I think about our modern obsession with social media. Li Bai’s solitary drinking under the moon has this raw intimacy that reminds me we can be surrounded by friends online yet still feel alone.
Digital Cosmic FlowHe transforms solitude into art by imagining the moon and his shadow as drinking partners. It’s so whimsical that it reminds me loneliness can also be creative.
Wild Gold FalconShort but powerful: Li Bai’s sense of playful longing shows me that sometimes our best companions are the stars and our own imaginations.
Swift White TigerThe idea of toasting the moon instantly sparks my own thoughts about how we find companionship in nature, especially in times when human contact feels limited, like during recent lockdowns.
Furious StingrayIt’s fascinating how a simple act—lifting a cup of wine—becomes an entire universe of emotion for him.
