Night Rain Sent North - Li Shangyin
/夜雨寄北 - 李商隐/
A Heartfelt Reflection of Longing Beneath Midnight Rain
君问归期未有期
You ask me when I return, but no return is in sight
巴山夜雨涨秋池
Night rain in the Ba Mountains swells the autumn pools
何当共剪西窗烛
When shall we trim the lamp together beside the western window?
却话巴山夜雨时
And speak of these Ba Mountain rains when they have passed
In “Night Rain Sent North,” Li Shangyin addresses a friend or loved one far away, capturing the profound ache of separation on a rainy evening. The setting of the Ba Mountains adds an evocative backdrop, where the seasonal autumn rain reflects both the literal and emotional climate: waters are rising, and so are feelings of longing. In Chinese poetic tradition, landscapes frequently mirror inner sentiments, and here the rainfall symbolizes both sorrow and the hope that distance can be bridged over time.
One of the poem’s central images is the shared act of trimming the lamp wick by the western window—an intimate domestic ritual. This gesture emphasizes the desire to reunite in a moment of closeness and simplicity. The poem’s brevity underscores the immediacy of Li Shangyin’s longing and focuses the reader on the deep emotional resonance behind each line. The final image—reflecting on these rainy nights once they are a memory—implies faith that reunion will eventually occur.
Taken together, “Night Rain Sent North” is a vivid expression of both longing and optimism, balancing the sadness of distance with the promise of future togetherness. Its enduring popularity speaks to humanity’s universal need for connection, particularly during times of isolation and uncertainty.
Key points
1. Rain serves as both a literal and symbolic reflection of longing. 2. Shared rituals become a beacon of hope during separation. 3. Even in moments of uncertainty, the poem hints at reunion and future solace.
