Analysis of "喜见外弟又言别" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "喜见外弟又言别" (Joy of Meeting My Cousin and Then Parting Again) was written by Li Yi (李益), a prominent poet of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). This period is often regarded as the golden age of Chinese poetry, where themes of friendship, nature, and human emotions were deeply explored.

Li Yi was known for his melancholic and reflective style, often depicting the bittersweet nature of reunions and farewells. This particular poem captures the fleeting joy of meeting a beloved cousin, only to face separation once again—a common experience in ancient China, where travel was difficult and reunions rare.

The poem is significant for its emotional depth, simplicity, and universal theme of impermanence, making it relatable even to modern readers.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

十年离乱后，长大一相逢。
Shí nián lí luàn hòu, zhǎng dà yī xiāng féng.
After ten years of separation and chaos, we meet again, now grown.

问姓惊初见，称名忆旧容。
Wèn xìng jīng chū jiàn, chēng míng yì jiù róng.
Asking your surname, I’m startled at first sight;
Hearing your name, I recall your youthful face.

别来沧海事，语罢暮天钟。
Bié lái cāng hǎi shì, yǔ bà mù tiān zhōng.
We speak of the vast changes since we parted,
Till the evening temple bell rings in the dusk.

明日巴陵道，秋山又几重。
Míng rì Bā Líng dào, qiū shān yòu jǐ chóng.
Tomorrow, you’ll take the road to Baling,
With autumn mountains—layer upon layer—between us.

Line-by-Line Analysis

Lines 1-2: The Joy and Shock of Reunion

The opening lines set the scene: the poet and his cousin reunite after ten years of separation, likely due to war or displacement ("离乱"). The phrase "长大一相逢" (grown up at this meeting) suggests they were children when they last saw each other.

The second line beautifully captures the moment of recognition—asking for a surname in surprise, then realizing who the other is upon hearing their name. This reflects the deep emotional impact of reuniting after so long.

Lines 3-4: Sharing Stories Until Dusk

The third line uses the metaphor "沧海事" (literally "sea-changing events") to describe how much life has transformed since they last met. Their conversation lasts until the evening temple bell, symbolizing the passage of time and the inevitability of parting.

Lines 5-6: The Pain of Another Farewell

The final lines shift to the impending separation. The cousin will journey to Baling, a distant place, with autumn mountains symbolizing obstacles and emotional distance. The repetition of "又几重" (layer upon layer) emphasizes the vastness of the separation, both physical and emotional.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Transience of Human Connections

The poem highlights how fleeting reunions can be, a common theme in Tang poetry. The joy of meeting is overshadowed by the sorrow of another farewell.

2. Time and Change

The "ten years of chaos" and "sea-changing events" reflect the turbulence of the Tang Dynasty, where war and displacement were common. The poet contrasts the past (youthful memories) with the present (maturity and loss).

3. Nature as a Mirror of Emotion

The autumn mountains symbolize both physical distance and emotional barriers. Autumn, often associated with melancholy in Chinese poetry, reinforces the sadness of parting.

Cultural Context

Tang Dynasty Reunions and Farewells

In ancient China, travel was arduous, and separations could last decades. Poems like this were often exchanged as keepsakes, serving as emotional anchors between loved ones.

Confucian Values

The deep familial bond between cousins reflects Confucian ideals of family loyalty and duty. The poem also subtly critiques the instability of the era, where political turmoil disrupted personal lives.

Conclusion

"喜见外弟又言别" is a masterpiece of emotional restraint and depth. In just six lines, Li Yi captures the joy of reunion, the weight of time, and the sorrow of parting—universal experiences that transcend culture and era.

For modern readers, the poem serves as a reminder of the fragility of human connections and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, making it a timeless piece of Chinese literary heritage.

Have you ever experienced a reunion after years apart? How did it feel? Share your thoughts in the comments!