寄全椒山中道士 - 韦应物
Sending a Letter to a Taoist in the Mountains of Quanjiao - Wei Yingwu
Reflecting on Silent Peaks and Friendship
寄全椒山中道士
Sending a Letter to a Taoist in the Mountains of Quanjiao
少别道门生，
It’s been a while since I parted from your Taoist gate,
怀归不可胜。
I am overwhelmed by a longing to return.
千峰无人到，
A thousand peaks remain untouched by mortal steps,
一径独猿鸣。
Along a solitary path, only a monkey’s cry is heard.
县远惟连鸟，
The distant county sees only birds linking the horizon,
山深见酒旌。
Deep in the mountains, a wine flag signals rare human presence.
他时一相访，
Perhaps someday we shall visit each other again,
应不厌泉清。
And never tire of those crystalline mountain springs.
In this poem, Wei Yingwu addresses a Taoist friend living in Quanjiao’s secluded mountains, underscoring both the allure and the challenge of solitude. The poet’s opening lines express nostalgia for an earlier time spent together, hinting at how life’s commitments pull him away from the peace he now craves. The imagery of lofty peaks and a distant county emphasizes remoteness, yet the presence of a lone wine flag suggests the warmth of occasional fellowship. While monkeys and birds fill the silence with subtle signs of life, the human voice is notably absent. This contrast reveals how, for the poet, true tranquility is found beyond the bustle of society.
Yet the poem is no mere celebration of hermitage. Wei Yingwu’s longing for reunion echoes through every couplet, reminding us that human connection holds value equal to the spiritual calm of the mountains. By painting an evocative landscape where isolation and companionship intertwine, he challenges readers to reflect on their own balance between solitude and community. In the end, the promise of revisiting these crystal-clear springs stands as hope for a future meeting—an assurance that even physical distance can be bridged by a shared sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
Ultimately, “Sending a Letter to a Taoist in the Mountains of Quanjiao” captures the poet’s heartfelt wish to break free from worldly routines and find both serenity in nature and a continued bond with a kindred spirit far away.
Key points
• True peace often resides away from worldly distractions.
• Even amid isolation, human connection remains deeply cherished.
• Nature’s beauty provides a timeless setting for renewal and reflection.
Comments
Digital VortexComparing it to Du Fu’s letters to friends, there’s a softer approach here. Du Fu often wrestles with turmoil, while Wei Yingwu leans into the quiet longing of someone who respects another’s path in solitude.
ZenithPoweReading this, I’m reminded of virtual meetings we hold from different corners of the world—a distant echo of Wei Yingwu writing across the landscape to someone outside the bustle of society. Even in our hyperconnected times, we still yearn for that calm, contemplative space.
Digital MirageIt’s intriguing how in both this poem and Li Bai’s verses about reclusion, there’s a theme of seeking deeper truths away from the crowded city. In our own day, with mental health awareness on the rise, many find solace in nature as these poets once did. The poem’s gentle respect for a friend’s chosen solitude underscores how some of us still crave that quiet sanctuary—be it a monastery, a mountain cabin, or simply a break from endless notifications. There’s an unspoken admiration woven in, recognizing that withdrawing from noise can nurture the spirit. I can’t help wondering if Wei Yingwu envied his friend’s simpler path, or if he was merely sending a supportive nod across the distance. The lines capture a timeless human desire: to find and honor the peace within ourselves.
Infinite Digital EchoThis poem shares a sense of quiet dialogue with nature, similar to Wang Wei’s contemplative style, yet Wei Yingwu’s voice is more direct, almost personal—like a handwritten note that traverses both mountains and hearts.
Savage PiranhaReading this reminds me of how modern people sometimes retreat to remote places for digital detox. Like Wei Yingwu’s yearning for simplicity, many today seek peace away from urban stress.
Luminous Pixel BurstIt’s almost like a text message from centuries ago, reaching out to a friend who chose a calmer life. In our era of social media, the poem stands out for its gentle sincerity.
Bold Blue WolfLike Wang Wei’s mountain poems, there’s a subtle Zen quality here. But Wei Yingwu focuses on sending a thoughtful message, highlighting the comfort of spiritual camaraderie rather than just the silence of nature.
Bold Blue Dog PitI see parallels with today’s wellness culture, where people adopt a minimalist lifestyle to reconnect with what truly matters. Just like Wei Yingwu addresses the mountain-dwelling Taoist, we admire those who successfully escape the rat race to find balance.
Brave Blue LionI think about how, nowadays, some folks choose to live off-grid in the mountains, searching for the kind of tranquility described in these lines. The poem resonates with that modern quest for mindfulness and escape.
