Crossing the Jingmen Gate and Bidding Farewell - Li Bai
/渡荆门送别 - 李白/
Tracing the River’s Course and the Boundless Horizon: A Poetic Journey of Parting
渡远荆门外，
Crossing the distant gate of Jingmen,
来从楚国游。
I came to roam in the land of Chu.
山随平野尽，
Mountains merge with the horizon of level plains,
江入大荒流。
The great river flows on into the vast wilderness.
月下飞天镜，
Beneath the moon, the sky is a flying mirror,
云生结海楼。
Clouds arise to form a celestial tower.
仍怜故乡水，
Still, I cherish the waters of my homeland,
万里送行舟。
That carry my boat thousands of miles away.
Li Bai’s “Crossing the Jingmen Gate and Bidding Farewell” blends the excitement of travel with the wistful longing for home. The poem begins with the speaker crossing beyond the familiar region of Jingmen, venturing into the historic lands of Chu. This physical transition symbolizes both a literal and metaphorical journey—one that leads the traveler further from the comfort of home and deeper into unexplored frontiers.
Throughout the poem, nature is depicted in its grand, unbounded form: mountains fade into level plains, and the mighty river seems endless as it flows into uncharted lands. Li Bai underscores how the moonlit sky can appear like a “flying mirror,” a poetic image that invites the reader to reflect on the depth and mystery of existence. Clouds form a “celestial tower,” hinting at the limitless possibilities that lie beyond the horizon.
Yet even in the midst of such thrilling adventure, Li Bai never forgets the waters of his homeland. This gentle yearning for the familiar highlights the emotional complexity of travel and farewell: the lure of the unknown mingles with the nostalgia for what is left behind. Ultimately, the poem speaks to the universal balance between setting forth on new paths and cherishing the roots that keep us grounded.
Key points
• Embrace life’s journeys while staying connected to home and heritage.
• Marvel at nature’s limitless beauty and its power to inspire reflection.
• Recognize that exploration and nostalgia can coexist, enriching our experiences.
• Understand parting as a chance to grow, both emotionally and spiritually.
