《乌衣巷》 - 刘禹锡

"Wuyi Lane" is a well-known poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Liu Yuxi, known for his evocative imagery and insightful observations of social and political change.

The poem is set in Wuyi Lane, a once-prestigious neighborhood in the former capital of Jiankang (present-day Nanjing), where the wealthy and powerful families, such as the Wang and Xie clans, resided.

《乌衣巷》
作者：刘禹锡
朱雀桥边野草花，乌衣巷口夕阳斜。
旧时王谢堂前燕，飞入寻常百姓家。

By the Red Bird Bridge, wild grasses bloom, As the setting sun casts its slanted glow upon Wuyi Lane's gloom.

Swallows that once graced mansions grand, Now flit among the homes of common folk across the land.

The poem opens with a contrasting image: the vibrant wild grasses blooming near the Red Bird Bridge, a symbol of prosperity and vitality, juxtaposed with the setting sun casting its slanted glow upon Wuyi Lane, suggesting a sense of decline and fading glory.

The second line delves into the heart of the poem's message: "旧时王谢堂前燕，飞入寻常百姓家" (Swallows that once graced mansions grand, Now flit among the homes of common folk across the land). The swallows, traditionally associated with elegance and refinement, symbolize the former inhabitants of Wuyi Lane, the once-powerful and privileged elite. Their migration into the homes of ordinary citizens highlights the dramatic shift in social dynamics, reflecting the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of the common people.

Themes:

• Impermanence and Change: The poem underscores the transient nature of power and prosperity, emphasizing that even the most revered and powerful can experience decline and fall.

• Social Transformation: The poem captures the changing social landscape of the Tang Dynasty, where the once-dominant aristocracy gradually gave way to the rising power of the common people.

• The Cycle of Life: The poem suggests that the ebb and flow of power and influence are part of the natural cycle of life, with no single group or class remaining eternally dominant.

"Wuyi Lane" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that resonates with readers across time and cultures. Its vivid imagery, insightful commentary on social change, and exploration of universal themes have made it a timeless classic of Chinese poetry.