Analysis of "奉济驿重送严公四韵" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "奉济驿重送严公四韵" was written by Du Fu (杜甫, 712–770), one of China's greatest poets from the Tang Dynasty. Known as the "Poet Sage," Du Fu's works are celebrated for their historical depth, emotional intensity, and technical mastery. This particular poem was composed during a time of political turmoil, reflecting Du Fu's deep friendship with Yan Wu (严武), a trusted official and close friend. The poem captures the sorrow of parting and the uncertainty of life, themes that resonate deeply in classical Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

远送从此别
Yuǎn sòng cóng cǐ bié
From afar I bid you farewell, parting here

青山空复情
Qīng shān kōng fù qíng
The green mountains stand in vain, full of emotion

几时杯重把
Jǐ shí bēi chóng bǎ
When shall we raise our cups together again?

昨夜月同行
Zuó yè yuè tóng xíng
Last night, we walked under the same moon

列郡讴歌惜
Liè jùn ōu gē xī
The counties sing in sorrow at your departure

三朝出入荣
Sān cháo chū rù róng
Through three reigns, you’ve served with honor

江村独归处
Jiāng cūn dú guī chù
Alone, I return to the riverside village

寂寞养残生
Jì mò yǎng cán shēng
In solitude, I nurse my remaining years

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "远送从此别"
   The opening line sets a melancholic tone, emphasizing the pain of separation. The word "远送" (yuǎn sòng, "seeing off from afar") suggests a long, reluctant farewell.

2. "青山空复情"
   The "green mountains" symbolize nature's indifference to human sorrow. Despite their beauty, they cannot ease the poet's grief, making their presence feel hollow ("空复情").

3. "几时杯重把"
   A rhetorical question expressing uncertainty—when will they reunite? The shared cup symbolizes friendship and camaraderie, making the separation more poignant.

4. "昨夜月同行"
   A nostalgic reflection on their last night together, where the moon serves as a silent witness to their bond.

5. "列郡讴歌惜"
   Refers to the people's admiration for Yan Wu, whose departure is mourned by many. This line highlights Yan Wu's virtue and the respect he commanded.

6. "三朝出入荣"
   Praises Yan Wu's distinguished service across three imperial reigns, underscoring his political significance.

7. "江村独归处"
   The poet contrasts Yan Wu's public honor with his own solitary return to a humble village, emphasizing loneliness.

8. "寂寞养残生"
   The final line conveys resignation—Du Fu anticipates spending his remaining years in isolation, deepening the poem's emotional weight.

Themes and Symbolism

• Friendship and Parting
  The poem revolves around the pain of separation, a common theme in Tang poetry. The shared cup and moon symbolize the bond between friends.

• Nature’s Indifference
  The "green mountains" contrast with human emotions, highlighting nature's unchanging beauty against fleeting human experiences.

• Political and Personal Struggle
  Du Fu subtly contrasts Yan Wu's public success with his own exile-like solitude, reflecting his own disillusionment with politics.

Cultural Context

Du Fu wrote this poem during the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763), a time of chaos in the Tang Dynasty. His friendship with Yan Wu, a high-ranking official, provided stability in turbulent times. The poem reflects Confucian values of loyalty, duty, and the transient nature of life—a recurring theme in classical Chinese poetry.

Conclusion

"奉济驿重送严公四韵" is a masterpiece of emotional depth and lyrical beauty. Through vivid imagery and restrained sorrow, Du Fu captures the universal experience of parting and the fragility of human connections. Even today, the poem resonates with readers, reminding us of the enduring power of friendship and the inevitability of change. Its blend of personal reflection and historical context makes it a timeless piece in Chinese literature.