[Poem] DRUNKEN GIFT TO MAGISTRATE LIU THE 28TH - A Wine-Infused Homage to Friendship and Restless Yearning

I love how this poem captures a moment of camaraderie, fueled by wine and sincerity.

Nowaday, it reminds me of how we share celebratory posts and photos online, capturing fleeting joy instantly.

A warm, genuine toast in verse—simple, direct, and overflowing with goodwill.

Though short by modern standards, '醉赠刘二十八使君' is brimming with atmosphere. I appreciate how Bai Juyi captures the essence of their meeting without overcomplicating the language. It’s straightforward, reflecting the poet’s emotional state. Sometimes, after a glass or two, we speak our truths more freely, and that feeling echoes through these lines. The poem also subtly hints at gratitude—gratitude for the company, for the moment, and for the shared experiences that shaped their friendship. It’s a testament to how a simple gesture, like dedicating a poem to a friend, can immortalize an otherwise fleeting evening.

It’s a toast not just to wine, but to cherished connections, too.

I can almost taste the wine and feel the glow in this scene.

This poem exudes a kind of spirited spontaneity. There’s no formality, no rigid structure overshadowing the honest warmth of the sentiment. Bai Juyi writes as if there’s no wall between him and his reader, bringing us directly into his world. The focus on wine is less about indulgence and more about forging human connections—something I think we can all relate to. It’s a gentle reminder that some of life’s best moments happen in simple, shared experiences.

Bai Juyi’s poem makes me think about how wine often plays a symbolic role in Chinese literature—an elixir that loosens tongues and fosters deeper connections. '醉赠刘二十八使君' reflects that tradition, yet it feels wholly personal. The poet’s admiration for Liu is stated as plainly as if they were in the same room chatting. The poem doesn’t rely on complex imagery or grand metaphors. Instead, it celebrates straightforward affection. This lack of pretension is precisely why it resonates with me, centuries after it was written.

Reading it makes me long for a night of relaxed banter, good drink, and the warmth of true friendship.

I like how it reveals Bai Juyi’s playful side, rarely overshadowed by formality here.

This reminds me of Du Fu’s celebratory pieces, though Bai Juyi’s tone is distinctly more relaxed and jovial.

I notice the poem touches on the intangible bonds formed over a simple cup of wine. The poet’s sincerity stands out—there’s no grandiose metaphor that overshadows the personal sentiment. Instead, the poem is direct, almost conversational, capturing the fleeting yet powerful connection that arises in these gatherings. It’s a snapshot of genuine human warmth, a feeling that doesn’t fade even after the wine’s effect wears off.

I admire how the wine is both literal and metaphorical, signifying freedom from daily constraints.

What fascinates me most about '醉赠刘二十八使君' is its balance between the fleeting joys of inebriation and the enduring bond of friendship. Bai Juyi captures the sense of time slowing down, each sip from the cup drawing him closer to a state of vulnerable honesty. That’s where the poem truly comes alive: in the raw sincerity that emerges when social airs are cast aside. The poet’s voice is relaxed, almost playful, yet there’s an undercurrent of gratitude—gratitude for the presence of Liu, for the circumstances that brought them together, and for the warmth that only wine and camaraderie can provide. It’s easy to imagine them sitting side by side, indulging in stories and laughter, momentarily forgetting whatever troubles lurk outside this intimate circle. The poem reminds me that sometimes, what truly matters in life is the depth of our connections, fleeting though they may be. We see that even a brief moment of revelry can leave a lasting imprint on the heart. Bai Juyi’s gift is in making that sentiment shine through so naturally.

Bai Juyi’s lines bubble with a carefree joy, reminding me of toasting successes and confiding secrets among friends.

One aspect I love is how Bai Juyi openly addresses Liu, weaving personal sentiments with the wine’s liberating effect. There’s a sincerity that rings true, making it more than a mere drinking poem. It captures a universal desire for connection and laughter. Reading it, I find myself imagining the relaxed smiles, the toasts, and the gentle banter echoing in the night air.

I find the poem to be a perfect example of Tang-era conviviality. There’s something so quintessentially humane in the way Bai Juyi addresses Liu, as if no time and distance separate us from their table. Reading it, I catch a whiff of that easy laughter and see the slight blur around the edges of the night. It’s a poem that encourages living in the moment while cherishing the company we keep.

In '醉赠刘二十八使君,' Bai Juyi crafts a tribute to friendship that balances the casual and the profound. The poem suggests how celebrations, especially those involving wine, can momentarily dissolve boundaries between individuals, creating a shared sense of unity and warmth. Yet underneath the gleeful surface, there’s a subtly melancholic acknowledgment of how these moments never last forever. This layering of emotion—mirth tinged with transience—is something I’ve always admired in Tang poetry. It’s as if Bai Juyi is toasting both the fleeting moment and the loyalty that endures.

A poem of laughter and camaraderie, with wine as the gentle catalyst of honesty.

Compared to Li Bai’s wine-drenched verses, Bai Juyi’s approach here feels more personal, emphasizing camaraderie over mystical escapism.

I sense both joy and a subtle yearning in each spirited line of this piece.

Bai Juyi’s '醉赠刘二十八使君' exudes a heartfelt warmth that transcends its immediate setting. The poet addresses Liu with a friendly camaraderie that can only bloom in a tipsy haze. You sense not just the celebratory buzz of the occasion, but also the genuine fondness Bai Juyi feels for his companion. It’s as though the wine becomes a metaphor for unbridled friendship, a testament to the poet’s ability to capture real human connections.

Sometimes I compare it to Li Shangyin’s more cryptic lines, yet Bai Juyi is refreshingly direct. The verse flows like honest speech between close companions, made even warmer by the glow of wine. That sense of directness makes the poem feel intimate, as though we’re eavesdropping on a private toast. It’s a comforting piece, full of simple, joyful sentiment.

The sincerity here is striking; it’s as if Bai Juyi wrote it fresh from a heart-to-heart toast.

In a way, it echoes some lines from Bai Juyi’s own 'Pipa Song,' but feels more intimate.

'醉赠刘二十八使君' stands out to me as a testament to the softer side of Bai Juyi’s poetic repertoire. While he’s well-known for addressing social injustices and capturing the plight of the common people, here we get a glimpse of his personal joys. The poem feels like a genuine toast—an outpouring of gratitude and camaraderie. I imagine a small gathering with warm lamplight, the hush of evening just outside. In the swirl of wine, words flow unguarded, revealing the depth of the poet’s admiration for Liu. This kind of literary snapshot is remarkable because it ties together ephemeral delight with lasting respect. The poem doesn’t overstay its welcome, nor does it slip into excess. Instead, it’s a balanced tribute to a friend. Even across centuries, readers can feel the sense of kinship that we might share today with a close companion over dinner or a few glasses of wine. This resonates with the universal experience of feeling a warm rush of affection when life’s demands are momentarily set aside, leaving room for heartfelt conversation. It is that timelessness which makes the poem so compelling. We’re invited into Bai Juyi’s world, if only for a moment, to celebrate what it means to be human in the presence of good company.

The energy in '醉赠刘二十八使君' is almost palpable. We know Bai Juyi was no stranger to heavier themes, writing about social injustice or personal reflection, yet in this poem, we see his more convivial side. He addresses Liu with a playful directness, almost as if he’s leaning across the table to refill a cup. There’s a sense of spontaneity—the poem reads like a spontaneous outburst of emotion rather than a carefully constructed literary piece. This raw, unfiltered feeling is precisely what makes it so charming. When I read these lines, I can’t help but think of my own gatherings with close friends, where the clinking of cups sets the tone for meaningful, if occasionally tipsy, conversations. Bai Juyi doesn’t shy away from the reality of that moment. Instead, he embraces it wholeheartedly, giving readers a window into a very human scene—a timeless snapshot of friendship, gratitude, and, of course, the undeniable pleasures of good wine.

Every line brims with that spontaneous energy you get when conversation flows freely around good company and a shared drink.

I find this poem to be an enlightening glimpse into Bai Juyi’s personal life. Often, his writings address social injustices or moral commentary. But here, we see a man who simply revels in good company and good wine, speaking from the heart to his friend Liu. There’s no pretense, no forced grandeur—just a genuine expression of friendship and gratitude. It’s interesting to consider how this piece might have been performed or recited in its own time, likely amid the clink of porcelain cups and the gentle hum of conversation. That atmosphere of conviviality resonates even now. Perhaps it’s because, at its core, the poem speaks to a universal human experience: finding comfort and joy with a companion you trust. In a world that can feel increasingly fragmented, reading '醉赠刘二十八使君' is like stepping into a timeless tavern where bonds are strengthened, laughter is shared, and life’s burdens momentarily fade away.

You can almost sense the poet’s flushed cheeks as he pours out heartfelt words to a trusted friend.

I love how it pairs a lighthearted mood with a quiet undertone of nostalgia.

I can sense Bai Juyi’s genuine fondness for Liu. Their companionship is laid bare through these verses, enveloped in a haze of wine and laughter. The poem doesn’t strive for lofty ideals; rather, it celebrates the here and now. That’s where its charm lies. It’s a down-to-earth reflection on how we naturally bond over drinks and let our guard down. The spontaneity of the moment is palpable, and the poet’s heartfelt words keep me engaged, reminding me of my own treasured friendships.

In '醉赠刘二十八使君,' Bai Juyi showcases his gift for blending lighthearted humor with deeper human insight. While the poem centers on wine-fueled merriment, it also hints at the complexity beneath that jovial surface: the longing for true companionship, the fleeting nature of a pleasurable moment, and the wish to prolong the night’s revelry. The poem speaks to the closeness between the speaker and Liu, capturing a social setting so typical of Tang Dynasty gatherings, yet so relatable to modern readers who have experienced those rare evenings where laughter, friendship, and perhaps a touch of sadness mingle effortlessly. Bai Juyi’s language evokes a sense of sincerity that’s neither overblown nor pretentious. It’s more like you’re overhearing a pair of dear friends at a tavern table than reading a formal ode. Above all, the poem reminds us that even in moments of levity, there can be a profound bond forged by simply sharing one another’s company under the influence of a warm, glowing cup of wine.

I adore this snapshot of Tang social life, bright with wine and playful affection.

A cheerful tribute that echoes like a clink of cups among friends.

Reading this poem feels like overhearing two old friends in a candlelit room, the glow of lanterns dancing across half-filled cups. Bai Juyi’s language is both direct and affectionate, painting a portrait of sincere friendship. His words flow with an easy grace, reminiscent of Tang-era social gatherings. Unlike some of his more serious works, here he seems content to revel in the moment. It’s a joyful break from the pressures of the world, a small haven created by brotherhood and good wine.