秋浦歌(其一) - 李白
Autumn River Songs (Part 1) - Li Bai
A Poet's Reflection Along the Autumn River
秋浦长似秋，萧条使人愁。
The Qiupu River always feels like autumn, its desolation brings sorrow to people.
客愁不可度，行上东大楼。
The sorrow of travelers is immeasurable; I climb up to the eastern high-rise.
正西望长安，下见江水流。
Looking west towards Chang'an, below I see the river flowing.
寄言向江水，汝意忆侬不？
I send words to the river water: do you remember me?
遥传一掬泪，为我达扬州。
From afar, carry my tears and deliver them for me to Yangzhou.
- The translation preserves the original punctuation and structure.
Introduction to the Poem
"秋浦歌(其一)" is a poem by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet, Li Bai. This poem is part of a series that Li Bai wrote while he was in Qiupu (modern-day Guichi, Anhui Province), capturing his emotional landscape and reflecting his inner thoughts during his stay. The poems in this series are known for their lyrical beauty and poignant expressions of solitude and longing.
Literal Translation
The Qiupu River seems as endless as autumn itself,
Its desolation brings sorrow to one's heart.
The traveler’s melancholy knows no bounds;
I climb the eastern tower to ease my mind.
Gazing westward towards Chang'an,
Below, I see the river water flowing.
I send words along with the river:
"Do you remember me?"
From afar, I shed a handful of tears,
Please carry them for me to Yangzhou.
Line-by-Line Explanation
秋浦长似秋，萧条使人愁。
The opening lines set the tone of the poem, creating an image of an unending autumn over the Qiupu River. The word "autumn" here does not merely refer to the season but symbolizes a sense of lingering melancholy and decay. The phrase "萧条" (desolation) enhances this imagery, emphasizing the barrenness and emptiness surrounding the poet. The somber mood reflects Li Bai’s own feelings of loneliness and isolation.
客愁不可度，行上东大楼。
Here, Li Bai describes his overwhelming sadness as a traveler ("客愁"). The term "不可度" suggests that this sorrow is immeasurable and beyond comprehension. To cope with these emotions, he ascends the eastern tower ("东大楼"), hoping that a change in perspective might offer some solace or clarity. The act of climbing also signifies his attempt to rise above his troubles, both literally and metaphorically.
正西望长安，下见江水流。
From the vantage point of the tower, Li Bai gazes westward toward Chang’an, the capital city of the Tang Dynasty, which represents political power, cultural sophistication, and personal aspirations. However, what he sees below is only the ceaseless flow of the river. This juxtaposition highlights the contrast between his lofty ambitions and the harsh reality of his current situation. The flowing river serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the transient nature of life.
寄言向江水，汝意忆侬不？
In these lines, Li Bai addresses the river directly, asking it whether it remembers him ("汝意忆侬不"). This personification imbues the river with a sense of agency and memory, transforming it into a silent witness of his journey and emotions. By posing this question, Li Bai reveals his yearning for connection and understanding, even if it is with an inanimate object like the river. It underscores his deep-seated loneliness and desire for companionship.
遥传一掬泪，为我达扬州。
Finally, Li Bai sheds a tear ("一掬泪") and asks the river to carry it to Yangzhou on his behalf. Yangzhou was a prosperous city known for its beauty and cultural richness, often associated with joy and pleasure. By sending his tear there, Li Bai expresses his wish to transcend his current state of sorrow and reach a place of happiness and fulfillment. The act of entrusting his tear to the river symbolizes his hope for emotional release and eventual peace.
Themes and Symbolism
- Nature and Emotion: Throughout the poem, natural elements such as the river and the season of autumn serve as powerful symbols of the poet’s internal state. The desolate scenery mirrors his feelings of sadness and isolation, while the flowing river represents the continuous passage of time and the inevitability of change.
- Longing and Memory: Li Bai’s dialogue with the river highlights themes of longing and memory. His question to the river about whether it remembers him reflects his desire to be remembered and understood, even in his solitude. This interaction underscores the human need for connection and recognition.
- Journey and Aspiration: The poem captures the essence of Li Bai’s journey—both physical and emotional. His gaze towards Chang’an signifies his aspirations and dreams, while his request for the river to carry his tear to Yangzhou represents his hope for a brighter future. These elements illustrate the tension between his present circumstances and his hopes for what lies ahead.
Conclusion
In "秋浦歌(其一)," Li Bai masterfully blends natural imagery with profound emotional depth to convey his feelings of loneliness, longing, and aspiration. Through his vivid descriptions and symbolic use of nature, he creates a poignant portrait of a traveler caught between his dreams and the harsh realities of his life. The poem resonates with readers across time, offering a timeless reflection on the human experience of seeking solace and meaning amidst life’s challenges.
Key points
This poem captures the serene yet melancholic essence of an autumn river landscape, reflecting on life's fleeting moments and the poet's deep connection with nature. Li Bai uses vivid imagery to convey solitude, timelessness, and the interplay between human emotions and the natural world, inviting readers to find solace in simplicity and appreciate the transient beauty around them.
Comments
Cosmic FalconA middle-length thought: The imagery suggests Li Bai is fully present in that moment, savoring autumn’s colors while also sensing the inevitable chill to come. That duality between appreciation and melancholy is what makes this piece quietly captivating.
EpicVenturReading this makes me think of walking through a park in late October—everything is golden, but there’s a slight melancholy in the air. (N1)
GenesisNOVIn a world full of upheaval, “秋浦歌(其一)” is a whisper that even endings can hold a rare, poignant beauty—if we know how to look for it.
Crystal VisionThe gentle rhythm of “秋浦歌(其一)” reminds me of falling leaves and quiet autumn evenings.
AstralGuarI read it and feel a gentle nudge: slow down, watch the leaves turn gold, and remember that change isn’t always a loss—it can be a quiet celebration of life’s cycles.
Vivid PrismI like that the poem doesn’t overstate anything—it trusts the reader to feel the shift in the atmosphere.
Loyal Gold FalconI love how Li Bai can make even a simple autumn setting feel grand and soulful.
IronBastioLi Bai’s words here feel crisp and mellow, capturing the essence of a fleeting season with remarkable ease.
Solar DragonShort but striking: it holds the delicate sadness of seeing nature’s beauty slowly retreat into winter’s shadows.
Gentle DoveHe hints at how nature mirrors human emotions: autumn might represent endings, but there’s always a subtle promise of renewal beyond the horizon.
Digital VortexIt’s a short piece, yet it carries such depth of feeling that you sense the poet standing by the water, lost in gentle reflection.
CrimsonTecThis poem resonates with me whenever I see summer fade into cooler days. It’s both a lullaby and a farewell.
Radiant ShadowCompared to Du Fu’s earnest style, Li Bai’s “秋浦歌(其一)” leans into a more dreamlike, almost wistful approach to the autumn season. (C3)
IronColossHe weaves the scenery with an undercurrent of nostalgia, as if the poet himself is drifting with the changing winds.
Cosmic CircuitThe poem is quite minimal, but every line holds a certain weight, like a single leaf spiraling down from a branch.
Aurora Digital WaveCompared to Li Bai’s “夜宿山寺,” which is filled with cosmic wonder, this piece is more grounded in the temporal world, noticing the small shifts of a season. (C4)
Dynamic Pixel FusionIn our busy modern lives, we often overlook the quiet shift from summer’s heat to autumn’s golden hush. Reading this poem reminds me to pause and acknowledge those small transformations. (N3)
Echo DuskHe paints a rural scene that feels timeless, suggesting that the simple act of observing nature can be deeply soothing to the soul.
Dark TigerCompared to his more lively “将进酒,” this poem embraces a softer, introspective tone, as though autumn’s hush has subdued his fiery spirit. (C1)
Zest Lime Bat CaveSometimes I think of modern climate shifts—autumns growing shorter in many places—and wonder how Li Bai would respond to such abrupt seasonal change. (N2)
Lone Black Cat CaveThere’s a calm acceptance of change here—like acknowledging that all things eventually shift and fade, just like the leaves in autumn.
Cosmic Urban WaveThough set in an ancient context, the sentiment transcends time, speaking to anyone who’s ever stood in a crisp autumn breeze, questioning life’s impermanence.
NovaEclipsCompared to the grand flourish of “行路难,” “秋浦歌(其一)” seems almost understated, yet it leaves a lasting impression through its subtlety. (C5)
Echo NexusA longer reflection: It’s easy to dismiss a short poem, but Li Bai’s few lines here evoke a wistful hush, as though the entire countryside is holding its breath before winter arrives. The autumn air, tinged with a slight chill, carries memories of warmth that’s slipping away. In this moment, Li Bai becomes both observer and participant, quietly reflecting on how seasons remind us of life’s fleetingness. The poem’s gentle longing mirrors our own nostalgia for what’s passing, while still cherishing the present’s beauty.
Brave White LionThere’s no overt drama—just a mild sadness laced with reverence, which feels very authentic.
Fierce CometIt’s the kind of poem that lingers in your mind like a soft echo, urging you to appreciate the ephemeral dance of falling leaves.
BlazeHunteCompared to Wang Wei’s nature-focused poems, Li Bai injects a subtle longing and human emotion into the landscape, making it more personal and intimate. (C2)
Infinite Cyber ShiftIf you read it on a chilly evening, the poem almost becomes a companion, whispering gentle truths about life’s transience.
Ancient BarracudaI find it comforting. Even in a season of decline, Li Bai’s words offer a gentle embrace, as if to say, “This, too, is part of life’s cycle.”
