长安遇冯著 - 韦应物
Encountering Feng Zhu in Chang'an - Wei Yingwu
Reflections on a Serendipitous Meeting
长安遇冯著
Encountering Feng Zhu in Chang'an
客从东方来，
The traveler came from the East,
衣上灞陵雨。
With the rain of Ba-ling still upon his coat.
问客何为来？
I asked him, “What brings you here?”
采山因买斧。
He said he gathers from the mountains, so he came to buy an axe.
冯著归应久，
Feng Zhu must have long since returned,
应得太平无？
Have these times granted him peace?
城中且乐生，
In the city, life goes on with small joys,
君亦莫羁孤。
So may you, too, never wander alone.
In this succinct poem, Wei Yingwu paints a scene of chance encounter and thoughtful inquiry in the bustling capital of Chang'an. A traveler arrives bearing traces of rain from Ba-ling, immediately conjuring images of a weary wanderer who has covered great distances. The poet’s question—“What brings you here?”—sparks a conversation that reveals the traveler’s practical purpose: he seeks an axe for gathering resources in the mountains.
Yet beneath the poem’s everyday surface is a subtle emotional thread. Mentioning “Feng Zhu” suggests that old friends and acquaintances are scattered across the empire, each pursuing their own paths. The question “Have these times granted him peace?” reflects a gentle concern for well-being, underscoring the uncertainty that can accompany travel, separation, and the challenges of life under imperial rule.
Chang'an, once the magnificent heart of the Tang Dynasty, symbolizes cosmopolitan vitality, while the act of wandering speaks to the larger human quest for belonging and purpose. The lines “In the city, life goes on with small joys” and “So may you never wander alone” combine to emphasize that even in a grand, thriving capital, it is human connections—and not merely riches or renown—that truly sustain the spirit.
Ultimately, the poem’s brevity heightens its resonance, leaving readers to ponder how simple encounters can spark reflections on friendship, home, and the comfort of shared humanity.
Key points
• Small encounters often carry profound meaning.
• In life’s journeys, concern for distant friends remains a source of comfort.
• Even a bustling city can be lonely—true solace emerges through human warmth and connection.
Comments
Fierce Gold Bee HiveReading this piece now makes me think of the global pandemic’s aftermath. After years of reduced travel and distant friendships, stumbling upon someone from home can feel profoundly comforting—just as it did in ancient Chang’an.
Loyal Black SharkThe lines remind me of running into a familiar face at a crowded airport—an overwhelming space made warm by a single human connection. It’s that feeling of relief and happiness that resonates across centuries.
HorizonDawIn our fast-paced world, seeing friends in person can be as surprising and uplifting as the chance meeting in Wei Yingwu’s poem. It’s a testament to how timeless the thrill of reunion truly is.
Swift Aqua Dog CaveComparing it with Li Bai’s more whimsical celebrations of friendship, this poem stands out for its subdued yet heartwarming tone. Where Li Bai might burst into wine and verse, Wei Yingwu quietly cherishes the spark of companionship against the grand backdrop of Chang’an.
Epic Cyber VisionWhenever I think about social media today, I picture how we often 'encounter' old friends online in a way reminiscent of this poem—suddenly, without planning, and filled with that same spark of excitement.
ViperStrikThe poem sparkles with the momentary joy of seeing someone you didn’t expect. It’s not unlike running into an old classmate during a busy day—life stands still for that instant of recognition.
Mystic WolfIn just a few lines, the poem captures both the electric energy of Chang’an and the quietly personal joy of an unexpected meeting.
DeltaQuasaIt feels like a quick snapshot of life’s unexpected pleasures. I love how Wei Yingwu focuses on the simple but profound delight of crossing paths with a friend in a hectic city, a universal experience that still resonates when we discover an acquaintance in a bustling metropolis today.
Cosmic Urban WaveIn an era where people often reconnect through chance comments on social media, I find it refreshing to read a poem that celebrates the spontaneity of a real-world encounter, reminding us that some of life’s sweetest moments can never be scheduled.
