江南逢李龟年 - 杜甫
Meeting Li Guinian in Jiangnan - Du Fu
A Poignant Reunion Amid Falling Blossoms
岐王宅里寻常见，
In Prince Qi’s residence, we met so frequently,
崔九堂前几度闻。
Outside Cui Jiu’s hall, your melodies were often heard.
正是江南好风景，
Now in Jiangnan’s fair scenery, all is lush and serene,
落花时节又逢君。
And in the season of falling blossoms, I encounter you again.
In “Meeting Li Guinian in Jiangnan,” Du Fu recalls a bygone era of music and cultural splendor. Li Guinian was a famous court musician and singer, celebrated for his artistry during the Tang Dynasty. Their meetings had once been common in the lavish surroundings of Prince Qi’s mansion and at gatherings hosted by esteemed nobles such as Cui Jiu. However, the upheavals of war and time have since scattered them far from the capital.
The poem opens with wistful memories of privileged circles, where the resonance of Li Guinian’s performances punctuated cultured banquets and festivities. Du Fu’s lines carry a bittersweet undertone: what was once an easy, commonplace event—hearing Li Guinian’s songs—has now become a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence.
Reuniting in Jiangnan—a region famous for its enchanting landscapes and blossoms—underscores the emotional contrast between the beauty of the present surroundings and the speaker’s lingering sense of loss. The mention of falling flowers illustrates the passage of time and the fleeting nature of worldly glories.
Ultimately, this short yet evocative poem captures both the joy of reunion and the sorrow of how circumstances can change so drastically. Du Fu deftly links personal sentiment with broader historical shifts, revealing how even the brightest moments can become precious memories shaped by nostalgia and longing. Despite the brevity of these verses, they resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet collision of past and present.
Key points
This poem highlights how cherished recollections can stir both joy and melancholy when revisited in a new setting. Du Fu’s encounter with Li Guinian serves as a poignant reminder that life’s changes—symbolized by falling blossoms—inevitably transform our relationships and environments. Yet, these very moments of reunion offer solace, affirming the enduring power of shared artistry and friendship.
Comments
Prism EchoI love how the poem captures that heart-skipping moment of encountering a familiar face after countless trials. It’s just a few lines, but you can almost feel the warmth in Du Fu’s voice.
Raging MantisIt reminds me of those chance encounters we have—like running into a close friend at a busy airport. The surge of recognition and happiness can lighten the heaviness of travel or struggle in an instant.
Iron ClawReading ‘江南逢李龟年’ reminds me how art and friendship endure beyond any storm. Today, we share songs through streaming platforms, but Du Fu’s verses show how reuniting with a beloved performer can fill your heart, even after years of separation. It’s a timeless reminder that true kinship, whether forged through music or memory, transcends turmoil and distance alike.
Crimson KnightIn contrast to the somber introspection of Du Fu’s ‘秋兴八首,’ this poem is a brief, bright interlude. One fleeting event—meeting Li Guinian—manages to pierce the gloom like a sudden beam of sunshine.
Bold Green FalconIn our digital era, we reconnect through likes and follows, but Du Fu’s meeting with Li Guinian pulses with real human contact, showing how face-to-face reunions kindle deeper warmth.
Vivid PrismReading this alongside Li Bai’s ‘静夜思’ reveals two different yearnings: Li Bai homesick under moonlight, Du Fu finding consolation in shared history. Each poet seeks an anchor against life’s turbulence, whether in memories or in friendly faces.
Mystic Lunar PrismUnlike the heavy sadness of ‘登高,’ where Du Fu grapples with autumnal reflection, here he rediscovers a lost comfort. It highlights his emotional versatility—capable of both mournful laments and quiet elation.
Stellar Quantum BurstComparing this with Du Fu’s ‘兵车行,’ the tone is far gentler. That poem laments the devastation of war, while ‘江南逢李龟年’ focuses on a small but profound relief—a friend’s presence that briefly lifts the weight of the world.
CrimsonDawMuch like the camaraderie seen in Du Fu’s ‘饮中八仙歌,’ there’s a shared human warmth here. Yet the backdrop of separation and turmoil lends this reunion a bittersweet nostalgia, unique to two souls finding each other after hardship.
Bold Green Cat PitNowadays, we might snap a selfie and post it, but Du Fu’s few lines capture a depth that goes beyond any digital filter, proving how genuine connections cut across time and technology.
Mild Aqua Seal CoveSometimes a moment like this overshadows every worry—just two old friends bridging distance with a single smile.
Dynamic HyenaIt’s like stumbling upon a favorite musician from your teen years who vanished from the scene—suddenly they appear again, and every note feels doubly precious.
Thunder BoltLike his reflection in ‘春望,’ Du Fu here merges personal emotion with the backdrop of a chaotic time. But instead of sorrow, there’s a delicate joy rising from the reunion, reminding us that hope flickers even in distress.
Fierce Black HawkSeeing Du Fu find an old friend reminds me that some bonds never fade, even as eras change.
