Eleventh Month, Fourth Day of Fierce Wind and Rain (Part Two) - Lu You
/十一月四日风雨大作(其二) - 陆游/
Dreaming of Duty Amid Stormy Nights
僵卧孤村不自哀，
I lie stiffly in a solitary village, yet I feel no self-pity;
尚思为国戍轮台。
Still, I long to guard the frontier for my homeland at Luntai.
夜阑卧听风吹雨，
Late at night, from my bed I listen to the wind and rain;
铁马冰河入梦来。
Then warhorses galloping over frozen rivers charge into my dreams.
Lu You, one of the most renowned poets of the Southern Song Dynasty, wrote this short yet powerful verse at a time when his country was under threat. Despite his advancing age and physical frailty—embodied in the image of lying stiffly in a lonely village—he expresses no self-pity. Instead, he remains filled with ardor to serve the nation, longing to defend the borders at Luntai.
The imagery of wind and rain in the night underscores both the turmoil outside and the poet’s internal unrest. Even in these dark hours, his mind is carried into martial dreams of iron horses charging across frozen rivers, symbolizing his unwavering determination to protect his homeland. This juxtaposition of a quiet, bedridden reality with vivid, heroic visions conveys a sense of patriotism that transcends physical limitation.
Beyond its historical context, the poem resonates with a universal theme: the power of hope and purpose in adversity. Lu You portrays steadfast loyalty and tenacity, urging readers to hold onto their convictions, even in bleak conditions. The poem stands as a concise yet stirring testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, aspiration, and devotion to a greater cause. Ultimately, it is a call to action—reminding us that while our bodies may be constrained, our determination and sense of duty can continue burning brightly.
Key points
• Enduring hardships does not diminish genuine patriotism or determination.
• Nature’s fierce elements mirror inner conflict and resolve.
• Dreams of heroism can inspire action even in challenging circumstances.
• Lu You’s concise imagery underscores the unyielding human spirit.