《秋登兰山寄张五》 - 孟浩然

Ascending Lanshan in Autumn to Send to Zhang Wu" is a renowned poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Meng Haoran, known for his evocative imagery and profound reflections on nature and human emotions. The poem is believed to have been written during Meng Haoran's travels in the region of Lanshan, where he ascended the mountain with his friend Zhang Wu, a fellow poet and recluse.

《秋登兰山寄张五》

作者：孟浩然
北山白云里，隐者自怡悦。
相望始登高，心随雁飞灭。
愁因薄暮起，兴是清秋发。
时见归村人，沙行渡头歇。
天边树若荠，江畔洲如月。
何当载酒来，共醉重阳节。

Amidst the white clouds of the northern mountains, A recluse finds solace in his solitary haven.

Together we ascend the heights, our gaze extending far, As our hearts take flight with the vanishing geese.

Sorrow arises as dusk descends, While inspiration finds its spark in the crisp autumn breeze.

From time to time, we glimpse villagers returning home, Pausing to rest by the ferry crossing the sandy shore.

Trees on the horizon resemble tiny mustard seeds, While riverbank islets gleam like moons in the twilight's glow.

Oh, when will we gather with wine in hand, To share the intoxication of the Double Ninth Festival?

The poem opens with a tranquil scene: a recluse finding contentment amidst the white clouds of the northern mountains. The phrase "北山白云里，隐者自怡悦" (Amidst the white clouds of the northern mountains, A recluse finds solace in his solitary haven) sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the harmony between the recluse and the natural world.

The second couplet introduces the poet's own perspective as he joins his friend Zhang Wu in ascending the mountain. The phrase "相望始登高，心随雁飞灭" (Together we ascend the heights, our gaze extending far, As our hearts take flight with the vanishing geese) suggests a sense of liberation and transcendence as they rise above the mundane world, their hearts soaring with the departing geese.

The third couplet shifts the focus to the poet's emotional state. The phrase "愁因薄暮起，兴是清秋发" (Sorrow arises as dusk descends, While inspiration finds its spark in the crisp autumn breeze) conveys a mix of melancholy and renewed vigor, reflecting the poet's sensitivity to the changing seasons and the passage of time.

The fourth couplet introduces vignettes of rural life: villagers returning home and resting by the ferry. The phrase "时见归村人，沙行渡头歇" (From time to time, we glimpse villagers returning home, Pausing to rest by the ferry crossing the sandy shore) provides a touch of realism and connection to the everyday world.

The fifth couplet paints a panoramic view of the landscape: trees on the horizon resembling tiny mustard seeds and riverbank islets gleaming like moons in the twilight's glow. The phrase "天边树若荠，江畔洲如月" (Trees on the horizon resemble tiny mustard seeds, While riverbank islets gleam like moons in the twilight's glow) showcases the poet's keen observation of nature's subtle beauty.

The final couplet expresses the poet's longing for companionship and shared experiences. The phrase "何当载酒来，共醉重阳节" (Oh, when will we gather with wine in hand, To share the intoxication of the Double Ninth Festival?) highlights the poet's desire to celebrate the Double Ninth Festival, a traditional day for ascending mountains and enjoying the autumn scenery, with his friend Zhang Wu.

Themes:

• Harmony with Nature: The poem reflects the poet's deep connection to nature, finding solace and inspiration in the beauty of the mountains and the changing seasons.

• Tranquility and Solitude: The poem celebrates the virtues of solitude and the contentment found in a simple life amidst nature.

• The Passage of Time: The poem acknowledges the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change, while also finding beauty and meaning in the present moment.

• Friendship and Shared Experiences: The poem expresses the poet's longing for companionship and shared experiences with his friend, highlighting the importance of human connection.

"Ascending Lanshan in Autumn to Send to Zhang Wu" is a timeless classic of Chinese poetry, revered for its evocative imagery, profound reflections on nature and human emotions, and exploration of universal themes. It continues to resonate with readers across time and cultures, offering a glimpse into the beauty of the natural world and the complexities of human experience.