[Poem] ASKING LIU NINETEEN - A Brief Invitation to Friendship and Warmth

In this well-known quatrain, Bai Juyi extends a simple but heartfelt invitation to a friend. The imagery is unassuming yet evocative: fresh, frothy wine (绿蚁新醅酒) and the snug glow of a small clay stove (红泥小火炉) create a welcoming scene. As snow threatens to blanket the evening, the poet’s question—“能饮一杯无” (“Will you join me for a cup?”)—underscores both the communal pleasure of sharing a drink and the implicit comfort found in human connection during cold weather.

The poem’s brevity and directness reflect Bai Juyi’s characteristic style of accessible language and relatable images. Rather than elaborate metaphors, he relies on the warmth of friendship to shine through the gentle details. The setting—a modest brazier and a simple cup of wine—suggests that true companionship transcends any need for lavish settings. Indeed, the approach of snowfall only heightens the coziness, drawing both poet and reader into the convivial spirit of the moment.

Ultimately, “Asking Liu Nineteen” reminds us that sometimes the simplest gestures carry the greatest meaning: an offered cup, a gracious welcome, and the promise of shared warmth. This sense of intimacy and sincerity has contributed to the poem’s continued popularity, as it beautifully illustrates how human bonds can transform even the coldest night into a memorable occasion.