Analysis of "卜算子·送鲍浩然之浙东" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "卜算子·送鲍浩然之浙东" (Bǔ Suàn Zǐ · Sòng Bào Hàorán Zhī Zhèdōng) was written by Li Zhiyi (李之仪), a poet from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Li Zhiyi was known for his lyrical and emotional ci poetry (a classical Chinese poetic form set to music). This particular poem is a farewell piece, expressing deep friendship and the sorrow of parting. It is celebrated for its elegant simplicity and profound emotional resonance, making it a classic example of Song Dynasty ci poetry.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

水是眼波横，山是眉峰聚。
Shuǐ shì yǎnbō héng, shān shì méifēng jù.
The water is like rippling eyes, the mountains like knitted brows.

欲问行人去那边？眉眼盈盈处。
Yù wèn xíngrén qù nǎ biān? Méiyǎn yíngyíng chù.
May I ask where the traveler is bound? To where eyes and brows are most enchanting.

才始送春归，又送君归去。
Cái shǐ sòng chūn guī, yòu sòng jūn guī qù.
I’ve just bid farewell to spring, and now I must bid you farewell.

若到江南赶上春，千万和春住。
Ruò dào Jiāngnán gǎn shàng chūn, qiānwàn hé chūn zhù.
If you reach Jiangnan and catch up with spring, do cherish it and stay with spring.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "水是眼波横，山是眉峰聚。"
   - The poet uses metaphors comparing water to a lover’s rippling eyes and mountains to knitted brows—a traditional Chinese poetic trope describing beauty.
   - The imagery suggests both the scenic beauty of the landscape and the sadness of parting (knitted brows symbolize sorrow).

2. "欲问行人去那边？眉眼盈盈处。"
   - The poet asks where his friend is traveling—the answer is a place as beautiful as a lover’s eyes and brows.
   - "眉眼盈盈" (méiyǎn yíngyíng) implies both natural beauty and emotional depth.

3. "才始送春归，又送君归去。"
   - The poet laments having just bid farewell to spring (a metaphor for fleeting joy) and now must say goodbye to his friend.
   - The repetition of "送" (sòng, "to send off") emphasizes the sorrow of separation.

4. "若到江南赶上春，千万和春住。"
   - The poet wishes his friend could reunite with spring in Jiangnan (a lush, culturally rich region in southern China).
   - The line carries a hopeful tone—urging his friend to embrace happiness where he finds it.

Themes and Symbolism

• Farewell and Longing: The poem captures the melancholy of parting, a common theme in Chinese poetry.
• Nature as Emotion: The landscape mirrors human feelings—water and mountains reflect the beauty and sorrow of separation.
• Spring as Transience: Spring symbolizes fleeting joy, making the farewell even more poignant.

Cultural Context

• Song Dynasty Poetry: Ci poetry was often set to music and expressed personal emotions, unlike the more formal shi poetry.
• Philosophical Influence: The poem reflects Daoist and Confucian ideals—harmony with nature and the importance of friendship.
• Jiangnan’s Significance: Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) was a cultural and artistic hub, often romanticized in poetry.

Conclusion

"卜算子·送鲍浩然之浙东" is a masterpiece of emotional depth and lyrical beauty. Its blending of natural imagery with human emotion makes it timeless. Even today, it resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweetness of farewells. The poem reminds us to cherish fleeting moments of joy—whether in nature or in the company of loved ones.

For readers exploring Chinese poetry, this piece offers a perfect introduction to the elegance and emotional richness of classical ci verse.