Twilight on the River - Bai Juyi
/暮江吟 - 白居易/
A Gentle Meditation on Autumn’s Quiet Dusk
一道残阳铺水中
A streak of setting sun spreads across the water
半江瑟瑟半江红
Half the river shimmers in green, half in red
可怜九月初三夜
Alas, on the third night of the ninth month
露似珍珠月似弓
The dew glistens like pearls; the moon curves like a bow
In this poem, Bai Juyi presents a fleeting scene at dusk along the riverbank, highlighting nature’s palette during early autumn. He contrasts the cool green and warm red hues rippling across the water, underscoring how the setting sun can transform an ordinary landscape into something dreamlike. The reference to the “third night of the ninth month” roots the poem in a season marked by subtle changes—cooler air, heavier dews, and a sense of quiet transition.
By likening the dew to pearls and the moon to a bow, Bai Juyi evokes preciousness and potential. Dew drops suggest fleeting beauty, while a crescent moon resembles a drawn bowstring, hinting at the gentle tension between day’s end and night’s beginning. Through spare yet vivid language, the poem beckons readers to pause and notice the delicate interplay of color, light, and atmosphere that often escapes hurried eyes.
Though concise, “Twilight on the River” deftly conveys a momentary wonder that resonates beyond its time. Bai Juyi’s skill lies in layering simple imagery with a profound sense of the transience inherent in all natural phenomena. As the scene drifts into evening, it reminds us to treasure the everyday magic found in nature’s constant evolution, from the setting sun to the arc of the moon above.
Key points
1. Subtle transitions in color and light can transform an ordinary scene into a moment of wonder. 2. Simple, evocative imagery often conveys deeper reflections on impermanence. 3. Bai Juyi’s poem offers a reminder to pause and appreciate the gentle beauty of twilight.