Analysis of "鲁郡东石门送杜二甫" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "鲁郡东石门送杜二甫" ("Farewell to Du Fu at East Stone Gate in Lu County") was written by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (李白, 701–762), one of China's most celebrated literary figures. Known as the "Immortal Poet," Li Bai was famous for his romantic and free-spirited style. This particular poem was composed during Li Bai's travels with his close friend, the equally revered poet Du Fu (杜甫). Their friendship is legendary in Chinese literary history, and this farewell poem captures the deep bond between them, as well as Li Bai's characteristic blend of natural imagery and emotional depth.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

醉别复几日
Zuì bié fù jǐ rì
Drunk farewell—how many days remain?

登临遍池台
Dēng lín biàn chí tái
We've climbed and roamed all ponds and terraces.

何时石门路
Hé shí shí mén lù
When again on Stone Gate's road

重有金樽开
Chóng yǒu jīn zūn kāi
Will golden cups be raised once more?

秋波落泗水
Qiū bō luò sì shuǐ
Autumn waves flow into the Si River,

海色明徂徕
Hǎi sè míng cú lái
Sea hues brighten Mount Culai.

飞蓬各自远
Fēi péng gè zì yuǎn
Like tumbleweeds, we drift far apart,

且尽手中杯
Qiě jìn shǒu zhōng bēi
So drain the cup still in your hand.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Drunk farewell—how many days remain?"
   - The poem opens with a sense of melancholy, as Li Bai reflects on the fleeting time before parting. The mention of being "drunk" suggests both the poets' fondness for wine and the emotional weight of their separation.

2. "We've climbed and roamed all ponds and terraces."
   - This line evokes memories of shared journeys, emphasizing their deep companionship. The imagery of ponds and terraces symbolizes the beauty of their time together.

3. "When again on Stone Gate's road / Will golden cups be raised once more?"
   - Li Bai expresses longing for a future reunion, where they might drink together again. The "golden cups" symbolize celebration and friendship.

4. "Autumn waves flow into the Si River, / Sea hues brighten Mount Culai."
   - These lines paint a vivid natural scene, blending the movement of water with the grandeur of mountains. Autumn, a season of change, mirrors the transient nature of their meeting.

5. "Like tumbleweeds, we drift far apart, / So drain the cup still in your hand."
   - The metaphor of "tumbleweeds" conveys the inevitability of their separation, as they are carried away by life's currents. The final line is a poignant call to cherish the present moment.

Themes and Symbolism

• Friendship and Farewell – The poem centers on the pain of parting and the hope of reunion, a common theme in classical Chinese poetry.
• Nature’s Transience – The autumn imagery and flowing rivers symbolize the passage of time and life's impermanence.
• Wine as a Bond – Drinking together represents camaraderie, a recurring motif in Li Bai’s works.

Cultural Context

Li Bai and Du Fu's friendship is iconic in Chinese literature, representing the golden age of Tang poetry. Their poems often reflect Daoist and Confucian ideals—Li Bai’s free-spiritedness contrasts with Du Fu’s more structured, socially conscious style. This poem, written during their travels in Shandong, captures the Tang Dynasty's cultural emphasis on nature, friendship, and lyrical expression.

Conclusion

"Farewell to Du Fu at East Stone Gate in Lu County" is a masterpiece of emotional depth and natural beauty. Li Bai’s vivid imagery and heartfelt longing make it a timeless tribute to friendship. Even today, the poem resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweetness of parting—reminding us to cherish moments of connection while they last.

For lovers of Chinese poetry, this work is a perfect example of how classical verse blends personal emotion with universal themes, bridging centuries and cultures.