Le You Yuan - Li Shangyin
/乐游原 - 李商隐/
A Quiet Contemplation at Day’s End
向晚意不适
As night approaches, melancholy weighs on my heart
驱车登古原
I drive my carriage onto the ancient plateau
夕阳无限好
The sunset is immeasurably beautiful
只是近黄昏
But it nears the dark of dusk
In this concise yet evocative poem, Li Shangyin encapsulates the tension between the allure of a magnificent sunset and the inevitable encroachment of nightfall. The speaker’s mood is already tinged with melancholy, which prompts the journey to an old plateau—perhaps symbolizing history or reflection. As the setting sun casts its radiant glow, it paradoxically highlights life’s fleeting nature. The more splendid the sunset, the more acutely aware we become of the passing of time.
Through only four lines, Li Shangyin weaves a delicate balance of beauty and sadness. The poem invites the reader to witness how splendor and transience coexist. By placing the speaker in motion—driving a carriage—he underscores the forward, unceasing movement of life. Ultimately, “Le You Yuan” suggests that even the most breathtaking moments are bound to fade, urging us to take solace in their brief brilliance while acknowledging the inexorable approach of dusk.
The poem’s universal resonance comes from this interplay between appreciation and regret: a timeless reminder that while beauty may be ephemeral, our acknowledgment of it can foster a deeper awareness of life’s fragility—and, paradoxically, its preciousness.
Key points
1. Even sublime beauty carries a sense of impermanence.
2. Movement and change are inevitable, underscoring life’s transient nature.
3. Brief moments of wonder can sharpen our insight into what truly matters.