《早寒江上有怀》 - 孟浩然

This poem, titled "Early Autumn on the River with Thoughts," is a masterpiece by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Meng Haoran. It is believed to have been written during Meng Haoran's travels along the Yangtze River, around the year 730 AD. The poem captures the poet's profound sense of loneliness and longing for his homeland amidst the vast and tranquil autumnal scenery.

《早寒江上有怀》 作者：孟浩然
木落雁南渡，北风江上寒。
我家襄水曲，遥隔楚云端。
乡泪客中尽，孤帆天际看。
迷津欲有问，平海夕漫漫。

Translation:

Autumn leaves fall, geese fly south, North winds chill the river's mouth. My home by Xiang River's bend, Far off, lost in Chu clouds' end.

Homesick tears in exile shed, Watching lone sail in sky ahead. Lost in straits, I long to ask, As the vast sea stretches, dusk grows stark.

The poem unfolds with a vivid depiction of the autumnal landscape: falling leaves, geese migrating southward, and a chilly north wind sweeping across the river. These images set the stage for the poet's emotional outpouring.

The second couplet introduces the poet's personal connection to the scene. He mentions his home by the Xiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, located far away in his native Chu region. The phrase "遥隔楚云端" (Far off, lost in Chu clouds' end) emphasizes the vast distance separating him from his beloved homeland.

The third couplet delves into the poet's inner turmoil. He expresses his deep-seated homesickness, conveying the image of tears streaming down his face as he watches a lone sail disappearing into the horizon. The sail symbolizes the passage of time and the poet's longing for a return to his homeland.

The final couplet concludes the poem with a sense of resignation and uncertainty. The poet, lost in the vastness of the river and the approaching dusk, expresses his desire to seek guidance but finds himself alone and surrounded by the vast expanse of the sea. The phrase "平海夕漫漫" (As the vast sea stretches, dusk grows stark) reinforces the poet's sense of isolation and the fading light of hope.

Themes:

• Homesickness and Nostalgia: The poem's central theme revolves around the poet's profound longing for his homeland and the bittersweet memories associated with it.

• Loneliness and Isolation: The vastness of the river and the fading light of dusk mirror the poet's inner solitude and detachment from his surroundings.

• The Passage of Time and Transience: The imagery of falling leaves and migrating geese serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the impermanence of all things.

“Early Autumn on the River with Thoughts" is a timeless classic of Chinese poetry that has resonated with readers for centuries. It captures the universal human emotions of longing, loneliness, and the contemplation of one's place in the vastness of time and nature. The poem's evocative imagery, melancholic tone, and profound themes continue to inspire and touch readers, making it a cherished piece of Chinese literary heritage.