Analysis of "久别离" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "久别离" (Jiǔ Biélí), or "Long Separation", is attributed to the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (李白, Lǐ Bái, 701–762). Known as the "Immortal Poet" for his romantic and unrestrained style, Li Bai captured the emotions of longing and sorrow with vivid imagery and profound simplicity. "久别离" reflects the deep pain of separation, a common theme in classical Chinese poetry, where lovers, friends, or family members endure prolonged absences due to war, duty, or travel.

This poem stands out for its emotional intensity and lyrical beauty, making it a timeless expression of human longing.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

久别离
Jiǔ biélí
Long Separation

别来几春未还家，
Biélái jǐ chūn wèi huán jiā,
How many springs have passed since we parted, yet I still haven’t returned home?

玉窗五见樱桃花。
Yù chuāng wǔ jiàn yīngtáo huā.
Five times, through the jade window, I’ve seen the cherry blossoms bloom.

况有锦字书，
Kuàng yǒu jǐn zì shū,
Though I have letters embroidered with golden words,

开缄使人嗟。
Kāi jiān shǐ rén jiē.
Unfolding them only deepens my sighs.

至此肠断彼心绝，
Zhì cǐ cháng duàn bǐ xīn jué,
My heart breaks here, while yours is severed there,

云鬟绿鬓罢梳结，
Yún huán lǜ bìn bà shū jié,
Your once-lustrous hair, now unkempt and undone,

愁如回飙乱白雪。
Chóu rú huí biāo luàn bái xuě.
Grief whirls like a storm scattering white snow.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "How many springs have passed since we parted, yet I still haven’t returned home?"
   - The opening line sets the tone of prolonged absence. "Springs" (春, chūn) symbolize time passing, emphasizing the years lost to separation.

2. "Five times, through the jade window, I’ve seen the cherry blossoms bloom."
   - The "jade window" (玉窗, yù chuāng) suggests elegance and fragility, while cherry blossoms (樱桃花, yīngtáo huā) represent fleeting beauty—mirroring the transient yet recurring nature of longing.

3. "Though I have letters embroidered with golden words, / Unfolding them only deepens my sighs."
   - "Embroidered letters" (锦字书, jǐn zì shū) were often love letters in classical poetry. Here, they bring no comfort, only sorrow upon rereading.

4. "My heart breaks here, while yours is severed there."
   - The parallel suffering of both lovers is emphasized—distance has wounded them equally.

5. "Your once-lustrous hair, now unkempt and undone."
   - A poignant image of neglect; the beloved’s disheveled hair (云鬟绿鬓, yún huán lǜ bìn) reflects her despair.

6. "Grief whirls like a storm scattering white snow."
   - The final metaphor compares sorrow to a violent wind (回飙, huí biāo) disrupting snow—chaotic, cold, and overwhelming.

Themes and Symbolism

• Longing and Despair: The poem’s core theme is the agony of separation, intensified by time and unfulfilled reunion.
• Nature’s Cycles: Cherry blossoms and seasons highlight the passage of time, contrasting with the unchanging pain of absence.
• Physical and Emotional Decay: The imagery of neglected hair and breaking hearts illustrates how separation erodes both body and spirit.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, separation was a common hardship due to travel for civil service, trade, or military duty. Poetry became a medium to express the Confucian value of loyalty (忠, zhōng) and familial love. Li Bai’s work, however, leans into Daoist and romantic influences, focusing on raw emotion rather than moral duty.

The "embroidered letters" reference also nods to a tradition where women wove intricate patterns into silk to convey hidden messages—a metaphor for the layered pain of unspoken words.

Conclusion

"久别离" is a masterpiece of emotional depth, blending natural imagery with visceral sorrow. Its portrayal of love strained by distance remains universal, resonating across cultures and centuries. In today’s world, where separation still tests relationships, Li Bai’s words remind us that longing is both timeless and deeply human.

As the cherry blossoms bloom and fade, so too does hope waver—yet the poem endures, a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the heart’s truest cries.