Weicheng Song - Wang Wei
/渭城曲 - 王维/
A Farewell Toast Beneath Drizzling Morning Rain
渭城朝雨浥轻尘，
At Weicheng, morning rain soaks the light dust,
客舍青青柳色新。
While the travelers’ inn is framed by fresh green willows.
劝君更尽一杯酒，
I urge you, dear friend, to finish one more cup of wine,
西出阳关无故人。
For west of Yang Pass, no familiar faces remain.
Known alternately as “Song at Weicheng” or “Farewell at Yang Pass,” this poem by Wang Wei captures the poignant warmth of parting. The opening lines paint a gentle scene: a soft rain tamps down the dust at Weicheng, and the springtime willows brighten the travelers’ inn. Despite the beauty of the morning, there is a tinge of melancholy, as the poet and his companion must soon part ways.
The heart of the poem lies in the poet’s entreaty to share one last cup of wine together. This act of hospitality symbolizes the depth of their bond, offering warmth and solace before his friend ventures into unknown lands beyond Yang Pass. The concise final line underscores the vastness that awaits, stressing how cherished every moment of companionship is. In just four lines, Wang Wei masterfully conveys both the serenity of the setting and the bittersweet nature of farewells—a sentiment that resonates across centuries and cultures.
Key points
Wang Wei’s concise imagery reveals that even in separation, a moment of fellowship can become a cherished memory. The rain, the willows, and a simple cup of wine all converge to form a heartfelt goodbye—reminding us how powerful small gestures can be when shared with close friends on the brink of a long journey.
