《赤壁》- 杜牧

This poem, titled "Red Cliffs," is a poignant reflection on the Battle of Red Cliffs, a pivotal moment in Chinese history that took place in 208 AD. The poem is written from the perspective of a visitor to the battle site, who is struck by the remnants of the conflict and the fleeting nature of power and glory.

《赤壁》 作者：杜牧 折戟沉沙铁未销，自将磨洗认前朝。 东风不与周郎便，铜雀春深锁二乔。

Broken halberds and sunken sand, iron yet unworn, I'll gather and polish, their past to discern.

Had the east wind not favored Zhou Lang's side, Two Qiao sisters would still be in Spring's embrace, their beauty unhide.

Explanation:

The first line, "Broken halberds and sunken sand, iron yet unworn," paints a vivid image of the battlefield, where the weapons of war lie scattered and forgotten. The phrase "iron yet unworn" suggests that the passage of time has not erased the memory of the battle, but rather has preserved its physical remnants as a reminder of its significance.

The second line, "I'll gather and polish, their past to discern," reveals the speaker's desire to understand the history of this place. By examining the broken halberds, the speaker hopes to gain insights into the events that transpired here and the forces that shaped them.

The third and fourth lines, "Had the east wind not favored Zhou Lang's side, / Two Qiao sisters would still be in Spring's embrace, their beauty unhide," introduce a hypothetical scenario in which the outcome of the battle was different. The "east wind" refers to a crucial factor in the battle, as it allowed Zhou Lang's forces to set fire to Cao Cao's fleet. Had the wind not blown in their favor, Cao Cao's forces might have prevailed, and the fates of the Qiao sisters, who were captured by Cao Cao, would have been altered.

The poem concludes with a somber reflection on the transience of power and the fragility of human endeavors. The speaker's musing on the hypothetical outcome of the battle highlights the contingent nature of historical events and the delicate balance of forces that determine the course of history.

Overall, "Red Cliffs" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of the Battle of Red Cliffs and its enduring legacy. The poem's imagery, symbolism, and historical allusions combine to create a rich and meaningful work of literature that has resonated with readers for centuries.