Chang'an at Qingming - Wei Yingwu
/长安清明 - 韦应物/
Evoking Springtime Remembrance in Chang’an
长安清明
Chang'an at Qingming
轻烟薄雾遍春城
Gentle haze drapes the city in spring
柳色依依遥客情
Tender willows mirror a traveler’s distant longing
细雨潇潇街巷里
Soft rain patters along winding lanes
故园念切半杯盈
Homesick thoughts brim in a half-filled cup
九门香火祭先祖
Incense rises at shrines behind the Nine Gates
落花惆怅随水声
Falling blossoms drift, echoing with murmuring waters
今朝愁绪知谁解
Who can fathom my sorrows on this solemn day?
又是一年关不平
Another year passes, yet the heart remains unsettled
In this poem attributed to Wei Yingwu, we see a contemplative scene unfolding in Chang’an during the Qingming Festival—a traditional time of ancestor veneration. The poet conveys a quiet ache born of distance from home and loved ones, especially in a season when nature itself feels haunted by memory. The imagery of gentle haze, tender willows, and soft rain sets a reflective tone; each line embodies both spring’s tender renewal and a visitor’s yearning. Incense curling through temple gates reminds us of familial bonds and traditions, while falling blossoms serve as potent symbols of fleeting beauty and nostalgic longing. Through measured, graceful lines, the poem merges nature’s cyclical changes with personal feelings, underscoring how springtime’s vibrancy can sharpen one’s sense of absence and remembrance. Ultimately, these verses suggest that while time continues onward—represented by another year passing—emotional undercurrents linger, seeking resolution or deeper understanding.
Key points
This poem illustrates how seasonal festivals can awaken memories and stir introspection, reinforcing the interconnectedness of nature, tradition, and personal longing.
