Night at the Mountain Temple - Li Bai
/夜宿山寺 - 李白/
A Soaring Encounter with the Stars
危楼高百尺，
A lofty tower rises a hundred feet high,
手可摘星辰。
Where one’s hand can nearly pluck the stars.
不敢高声语，
I dare not speak aloud,
恐惊天上人。
For fear of startling those in heaven.
In “Night at the Mountain Temple,” Li Bai paints a vivid scene of breathtaking height and cosmic closeness. Though only four lines long, the poem brims with wonder: perched on a tower so elevated that the stars feel within arm’s reach, the speaker is humbled into silence. The poem conveys a sense of reverential awe—like standing on the threshold between the earthly realm and the celestial. By imagining the possibility of disturbing heavenly beings, Li Bai underscores how delicate and profound the moment is.
This short verse captures Li Bai’s hallmark blend of grandeur and restraint. The tower suggests the lofty vantage point humans sometimes achieve, while the poet’s hush speaks to nature’s immensity and our humble place within it. Through sparse yet potent imagery, Li Bai invites readers to contemplate the mysteries and marvels that lie just beyond our grasp, reminding us that true awe often resides in quiet spaces.
Key points
1. The simplest images—stars, a tall tower—can evoke deep spiritual wonder.
2. Our nearness to the cosmos inspires both aspiration and humility.
3. Silence can be a powerful response to the vastness of nature.
4. Brevity in poetry can intensify meaning, leaving a lasting sense of marvel.