《天净沙·秋思》 - 马致远

This renowned poem by Ma Zhiyuan, titled "Tianjingsha: Autumn Thoughts" (《天净沙·秋思》), is a poignant expression of loneliness, desolation, and the melancholic beauty of autumn. Through vivid imagery and a concise structure, the poem captures the essence of autumnal solitude and the poet's inner turmoil.

《天净沙·秋思》（元曲） 作者：马致远 枯藤老树昏鸦，小桥流水人家，古道西风瘦马。 夕阳西下，断肠人在天涯。

Withered vines cling to ancient trees, Dusk crows roost upon their branches. A small bridge spans a flowing stream, Beside a humble cottage life dances.

An ancient road winds through the west wind's sway, A gaunt horse trudges along the way.

The setting sun dips low in the sky, A heartbroken wanderer bids it goodbye.

The opening lines paint a desolate landscape: "Withered vines cling to ancient trees, / Dusk crows roost upon their branches." The imagery of withered vines and dusk crows sets a somber tone, suggesting the decay and decline associated with autumn.

The following line introduces a glimmer of life: "A small bridge spans a flowing stream, / Beside a humble cottage life dances." The image of a small bridge and a flowing stream offers a brief respite from the desolation, while the mention of a "humble cottage" suggests a sense of human presence and warmth.

However, the poem quickly returns to its melancholic mood with the line: "An ancient road winds through the west wind's sway, / A gaunt horse trudges along the way." The image of an ancient road and a gaunt horse further reinforces the sense of desolation and the passage of time.

The poem reaches its climax in the final two lines: "The setting sun dips low in the sky, / A heartbroken wanderer bids it goodbye." The imagery of the setting sun and the "heartbroken wanderer" captures the essence of autumnal sadness and the poet's profound sense of loneliness.

The poem's brevity and stark imagery have made it one of the most enduring and recognizable works of Chinese literature. Its ability to evoke emotions of melancholy, nostalgia, and the beauty of the natural world has resonated with readers for centuries.