Analysis of "夕次盱眙县" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"夕次盱眙县" (Xī Cì Xūyí Xiàn, "Overnight in Xuyi County") is a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Wei Yingwu (韦应物, 737–792). Wei was known for his refined and understated style, often depicting quiet moments of reflection, travel, and nature. This poem captures the solitude of a traveler resting by the Huai River, blending natural imagery with a sense of melancholy and longing.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

夕次盱眙县
Xī cì Xūyí xiàn
Overnight in Xuyi County

落帆逗淮镇
Luò fān dòu Huái zhèn
Lowering sails, I linger by the Huai River town

停舫临孤驿
Tíng fǎng lín gū yì
My boat moored near a lonely post station

浩浩风起波
Hàohào fēng qǐ bō
Vast winds stir the waves

冥冥日沉夕
Míngmíng rì chén xī
Dim and dimmer, the sun sinks into dusk

人归山郭暗
Rén guī shān guō àn
People return home; the mountain walls darken

雁下芦洲白
Yàn xià lú zhōu bái
Wild geese descend on reed-covered isles, white in the gloom

独夜忆秦关
Dú yè yì Qín guān
Alone at night, I think of Qin’s frontier passes

听钟未眠客
Tīng zhōng wèi mián kè
Listening to temple bells, a sleepless traveler

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Overnight in Xuyi County" – The title sets the scene: a temporary stop in a small riverside town.

2. "Lowering sails, I linger by the Huai River town" – The traveler pauses his journey, suggesting weariness or contemplation.

3. "My boat moored near a lonely post station" – The "lonely post station" emphasizes isolation, a common theme in travel poetry.

4. "Vast winds stir the waves" – Nature is restless, mirroring the traveler’s unsettled mind.

5. "Dim and dimmer, the sun sinks into dusk" – The fading light enhances the mood of solitude.

6. "People return home; the mountain walls darken" – Contrast between others’ return and the poet’s displacement.

7. "Wild geese descend on reed-covered isles, white in the gloom" – Geese symbolize wandering, while the "white" reeds stand out eerily in twilight.

8. "Alone at night, I think of Qin’s frontier passes" – The poet longs for distant places, possibly recalling past travels or military service.

9. "Listening to temple bells, a sleepless traveler" – The bells mark time, deepening the sense of solitude and insomnia.

Themes and Symbolism

• Solitude and Travel – The poem embodies the lüyou shi (travel poetry) tradition, where journeys reflect inner restlessness.
• Nature’s Transience – The setting sun, restless waves, and descending geese all evoke impermanence.
• Longing for Home – Though not explicitly homesick, the poet contrasts his isolation with others’ return.

Cultural Context

Wei Yingwu lived during the Tang Dynasty’s golden age of poetry, where refined simplicity was prized. The Huai River region was historically significant, often marking borders between northern and southern China. The poem subtly reflects Confucian ideals of duty (the traveler’s journey) and Daoist appreciation of nature’s rhythms.

Conclusion

"夕次盱眙县" captures a quiet yet profound moment—a traveler suspended between movement and stillness, day and night, society and solitude. Its beauty lies in its restraint, using minimal words to evoke deep emotion. For modern readers, it remains a poignant meditation on transience and the universal experience of being far from home.