Analysis of "送李端" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"送李端" (Sòng Lǐ Duān) is a poignant farewell poem written by the Tang Dynasty poet 卢纶 (Lú Lún, 739–799). A prominent figure of the Mid-Tang period, Lú Lún was known for his emotionally resonant and vividly descriptive poetry. This particular poem reflects the deep sorrow of parting, a common theme in classical Chinese poetry, and exemplifies the refined artistry of Tang Dynasty verse.

The poem captures the melancholy of bidding farewell to a dear friend against the backdrop of a desolate winter landscape. Its emotional depth and masterful use of imagery have made it a celebrated work in Chinese literary history.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

故关衰草遍
Gù guān shuāi cǎo biàn
Withered grass covers the old fortress pass

离别正堪悲
Líbié zhèng kān bēi
Parting at such a time is truly sorrowful

路出寒云外
Lù chū hán yún wài
The road vanishes beyond cold clouds

人归暮雪时
Rén guī mù xuě shí
You return as evening snow begins to fall

少孤为客早
Shǎo gū wéi kè zǎo
Orphaned young, I wandered early in life

多难识君迟
Duō nàn shí jūn chí
Amidst many hardships, I met you late

掩泪空相向
Yǎn lèi kōng xiāng xiàng
Holding back tears, I face you in vain

风尘何所期
Fēngchén hé suǒ qī
In this troubled world, what hope remains?

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "故关衰草遍" – The poem opens with a desolate image of an old fortress surrounded by withered grass, symbolizing decay and the passage of time. This sets a somber tone for the farewell.

2. "离别正堪悲" – The poet directly expresses the pain of separation, emphasizing that parting in such a bleak setting intensifies the sorrow.

3. "路出寒云外" – The road disappearing into cold clouds suggests the uncertainty of the friend’s journey and the vast distance that will soon separate them.

4. "人归暮雪时" – The image of returning in evening snow conveys loneliness and hardship, reinforcing the melancholy mood.

5. "少孤为客早" – The poet reflects on his own early struggles, having lost his parents young and been forced to wander. This personal sorrow deepens the emotional weight of the farewell.

6. "多难识君迟" – He laments that despite life’s hardships, he met his friend too late, making their parting even more painful.

7. "掩泪空相向" – The poet tries to hold back tears, but the farewell feels futile ("空" – empty/vain), as they cannot change their fate.

8. "风尘何所期" – The final line questions what hope remains in a turbulent world ("风尘" – wind and dust, symbolizing chaos and hardship).

Themes and Symbolism

• Farewell and Sorrow: The poem centers on the pain of separation, a recurring theme in Tang poetry. The bleak winter imagery amplifies the emotional weight.
• Transience of Life: The withered grass and cold clouds symbolize impermanence, reflecting the poet’s awareness of life’s fragility.
• Friendship and Loneliness: The bond between the poet and Li Duan is precious precisely because of their shared hardships, making the farewell even more poignant.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, farewell poems were a common literary form, often exchanged between scholars, officials, and friends. Partings were especially significant because travel was dangerous and reunions uncertain. Lú Lún’s poem reflects Confucian values of loyalty and deep friendship, as well as the Buddhist-influenced contemplation of life’s suffering.

The Tang Dynasty was a golden age of poetry, where refined language and emotional depth were highly prized. "送李端" exemplifies these qualities, blending personal grief with universal themes.

Conclusion

"送李端" is a masterpiece of Tang poetry, capturing the profound sadness of parting through vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion. Its exploration of friendship, hardship, and the fleeting nature of life resonates across centuries. For modern readers, the poem serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring human experiences of love, loss, and the search for meaning in an uncertain world.

Lú Lún’s ability to convey deep emotion with simplicity and elegance ensures that this poem remains a cherished work in Chinese literature, offering both beauty and insight to those who encounter it.