《登幽州台歌》 - 陈子昂

"Song of Ascending the Youzhou Tower" is a poignant and powerful poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Chen Zi'ang, written during the tumultuous An Lushan Rebellion (755-763 AD). The poem is set atop the Youzhou Tower, a landmark in the northern city of Youzhou (present-day Beijing), offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

《登幽州台歌》
作者：陈子昂
前不见古人，后不见来者。
念天地之悠悠，独怆然而泪下。

Song of Ascending the Youzhou Tower
Author: Chen Zi'ang

Gazing ahead, I see no ancients, Looking back, I see no future ones. Contemplating the vastness of heaven and earth, Alone and sorrowful, I shed tears.

The poem opens with a striking contrast between the past and the future, emphasizing the poet's isolation in time. The phrase "前不见古人，后不见来者" (Gazing ahead, I see no ancients, / Looking back, I see no future ones) highlights the poet's unique position at a juncture between the past and the uncertain future.

The second line, "念天地之悠悠" (Contemplating the vastness of heaven and earth), shifts the focus to the immensity of the natural world. The phrase "天地之悠悠" (vastness of heaven and earth) conveys a sense of awe and insignificance, further deepening the poet's sense of isolation.

The final line, "独怆然而涕下" (Alone and sorrowful, I shed tears), unleashes the poet's pent-up emotions. The phrase "独怆然" (alone and sorrowful) captures the poet's profound loneliness and despair, while the act of shedding tears symbolizes the release of his inner turmoil.

Themes:

• Loneliness and Isolation: The poem's central theme revolves around the poet's profound sense of loneliness and isolation, both in time and space.

• The Passage of Time and Transience: The vastness of heaven and earth and the absence of figures from the past and future underscore the fleeting nature of time and the impermanence of all things.

• Existential Anguish: The poem grapples with existential questions about the meaning of life and one's place in the universe.

"Song of Ascending the Youzhou Tower" is considered a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty poetry, renowned for its profound emotional depth and its exploration of universal themes. The poem's vivid imagery, powerful language, and poignant expression of human emotions have captivated readers for centuries, making it a cherished piece of Chinese literary heritage.