[Poem] QIU PU SONG (PART I) - A Brief Glimpse into Li Bai’s Reflection on Time and Grief

In this short yet profound poem, Li Bai reflects on the overwhelming sense of sorrow that seems to manifest physically in his rapidly graying hair. He uses hyperbole by likening his white hair to a length of three thousand measures, illustrating both emotional depth and poetic flair. The poem also hints at the mysterious nature of change: he peers into a bright mirror and questions the source of his “autumn frost,” a metaphor for aging. Thus, Li Bai invites us to consider how worry and grief can accelerate the perception of time’s passage, tying physical changes to emotional states. The reflective tone underscores a universal truth about human fragility and the inescapable progression of aging. Despite the brevity of the verse, Li Bai’s language and imagery speak to the timeless human experience of questioning the sudden onset of change, particularly the graying hair that serves as a stark reminder of life’s transience. Through this blend of lamentation and wonder, the poem resonates beyond its era, offering contemporary readers an opportunity to reflect on their own relationship with time, sorrow, and the inevitable transformation of youth into age.