《登高》- 杜甫

Gale winds howl, the sky towers high, gibbons cry mournfully, Islets clear, sand white, birds fly back to their nests. Boundlessly fallen leaves rustle down, endlessly the Yangtze River surges on. Myriad-league autumn's sadness, always a traveler, A hundred years of chronic illness, I climb the terrace alone. Hardships, bitter regrets, frost my temples, Despondent, I've just stopped the turbid wine cup.

《登高》 作者：杜甫
风急天高猿啸哀，渚清沙白鸟飞回。 无边落木萧萧下，不尽长江滚滚来。 万里悲秋常作客，百年多病独登台。 艰难苦恨繁霜鬓，潦倒新停浊酒杯。

Stanza 1:

The poem opens with a vivid depiction of the autumnal landscape, characterized by strong winds, towering skies, and the mournful cries of gibbons. The phrase "风急天高猿啸哀" (gale winds howl, the sky towers high, gibbons cry mournfully) sets the tone of desolation and melancholy.

Stanza 2:

The poet's gaze shifts to the riverbank, where clear islets and white sand contrast with the boundless falling leaves and the ceaseless flow of the Yangtze River. The phrase "渚清沙白鸟飞回" (islets clear, sand white, birds fly back to their nests) suggests a sense of tranquility amidst the vastness of nature.

Stanza 3:

The poet's personal reflections emerge, as he laments his constant travels during the sorrowful autumn season and his long years of illness. The phrase "万里悲秋常作客" (myriad-league autumn's sadness, always a traveler) conveys a sense of loneliness and longing for home.

Stanza 4:

Ascending the terrace alone, the poet confronts his advancing age, marked by frosted temples and chronic illness. The phrase "百年多病独登台" (a hundred years of chronic illness, I climb the terrace alone) highlights his isolation and sense of vulnerability.

Stanza 5:

The poet's reflections turn to his past hardships and regrets, which weigh heavily on him like frost on his temples. The phrase "艰难苦恨繁霜鬓" (hardships, bitter regrets, frost my temples) suggests a deep sense of disillusionment and inner turmoil.

Stanza 6:

In the final stanza, the poet expresses his despondency, having recently abandoned his indulgence in turbid wine. The phrase "潦倒新停浊酒杯" (despondent, I've just stopped the turbid wine cup) implies a sense of resignation and a loss of vitality.

Overall, "Climbing High" is a poignant reflection on the themes of aging, loneliness, and the fleeting nature of life. Du Fu's masterful use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid portrayal of the poet's inner world, capturing his struggles with mortality, regret, and disillusionment.