Analysis of "乌栖曲" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The "乌栖曲" (Wū Qī Qū) or "Song of the Crows Roosting" is a famous ancient Chinese poem attributed to Emperor Jianwen of the Liang Dynasty (503-551 CE). This short but evocative poem belongs to the yuefu tradition - folk-style lyrical poems that were often set to music.

Written during the Southern Dynasties period, this poem exemplifies the refined aesthetic sensibilities of court poetry while maintaining a folk song's simplicity. Its enduring popularity comes from its vivid imagery and subtle emotional depth, capturing a fleeting moment of natural beauty that resonates across centuries.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

倡家高树乌欲栖

Chāng jiā gāo shù wū yù qī

The courtesan's tall tree where crows prepare to roost

罗帷翠被郁金香

Luó wéi cuì bèi yù jīn xiāng

Silk curtains, emerald quilts, and tulip fragrance

玉阶夜寒杵声急

Yù jiē yè hán chǔ shēng jí

On jade steps, night chill, pounding sounds grow urgent

起看秋月坠江波

Qǐ kàn qiū yuè zhuì jiāng bō

Rising to see autumn moon sink in river waves

Line-by-Line Analysis

Line 1: The opening establishes the setting at dusk, with crows (traditionally ominous symbols) gathering to rest in a tall tree near a courtesan's residence. The "欲" (yù - prepare to) creates anticipation.

Line 2: Luxurious details of the interior contrast with the wild birds outside. "郁金香" (yù jīn xiāng) refers to precious spices/incense, not modern tulips, showing the courtesan's wealthy patrons.

Line 3: The scene shifts outside where the cold night arrives. The "杵声" (chǔ shēng) are likely women pounding cloth or laundry, their hurried work contrasting with the courtesan's perfumed chambers.

Line 4: The final image is breathtaking - the moon's reflection sinking into the river symbolizes the passage of time and perhaps the courtesan's fading beauty. The observer "rising to see" suggests a moment of poignant awareness.

Themes and Symbolism

Transience: The poem captures a fleeting moment between day and night, youth and age. The sinking moon especially embodies the traditional Chinese concept of mù (暮) - the melancholy of dusk and impermanence.

Contrast: The luxurious interior vs. working women outside, warm perfumed chambers vs. cold night, all highlight social divisions and the artificiality of pleasure.

Crow Symbolism: In Chinese culture, crows often represent bad omens or loneliness. Their roosting suggests the coming night and perhaps the courtesan's uncertain future.

Cultural Context

Written during the Southern Dynasties (420-589 CE), this period saw both great cultural refinement and political instability. The Liang Dynasty court where Emperor Jianwen wrote was famous for its literary salons and aesthetic sophistication.

The poem reflects several key Chinese concepts:
- Mù chūn (暮春): melancholy for passing time
- Yuàn (怨): subtle lament without direct complaint
- The tradition of courtesans as cultured entertainers in elite society

As a yuefu poem, it follows musical conventions while elevating the form with exquisite imagery. The abrupt ending without resolution is characteristic of classical Chinese poetry's suggestiveness.

Conclusion

"乌栖曲" masterfully captures a moment where natural imagery and human experience intersect. In just four lines, it moves from visual description to profound meditation on time's passage. The poem's power lies in what it doesn't say directly - the unspoken thoughts of the courtesan, the workers, and the observer all resonate between the lines.

For modern readers, this Tang Dynasty poem offers both a window into ancient Chinese aesthetics and a timeless reflection on how we all experience fleeting beauty. Its concise yet vivid imagery continues to inspire readers and artists centuries after its creation, proving the enduring power of classical Chinese poetry.