Analysis of "送元二使安西" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"送元二使安西" (Sòng Yuán Èr Shǐ Ān Xī, "Farewell to Yuan Er on His Mission to Anxi") is a famous farewell poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei (王维, 699–761). Wang Wei was a master of landscape poetry and Buddhist-inspired verse, known for his serene and evocative imagery. This poem, written during the height of the Tang Dynasty, captures the bittersweet emotions of parting with a friend embarking on a long journey to the distant frontier of Anxi (modern-day Xinjiang).

Regarded as one of the most celebrated farewell poems in Chinese literature, it has been set to music and sung for centuries as "The Yangguan Trilogy" (阳关三叠). Its emotional depth and simplicity make it a timeless expression of friendship and melancholy.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

渭城朝雨浥轻尘
Wèichéng zhāo yǔ yì qīng chén
The morning rain in Weicheng dampens the light dust,

客舍青青柳色新
Kèshè qīngqīng liǔ sè xīn
The inn is green with fresh willows.

劝君更尽一杯酒
Quàn jūn gèng jìn yī bēi jiǔ
I urge you to drink one more cup of wine,

西出阳关无故人
Xī chū Yángguān wú gù rén
Once you go west past Yangguan, there will be no old friends.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The morning rain in Weicheng dampens the light dust"
   - The poem opens with a tranquil morning scene in Weicheng, a city near the capital Chang'an (modern Xi'an). The rain symbolizes cleansing and renewal but also hints at sorrow—tears of parting. The "light dust" suggests the traveler's path, now softened by rain, making the journey slightly easier.

2. "The inn is green with fresh willows"
   - The willow tree (柳 liǔ) is a traditional symbol of farewell in Chinese culture, as the word sounds like "to stay" (留 liú). The fresh greenery contrasts with the melancholy of departure, emphasizing the beauty of the moment before separation.

3. "I urge you to drink one more cup of wine"
   - This line conveys the speaker's reluctance to let go. In Tang Dynasty culture, sharing wine was a ritual of friendship. The repetition of this sentiment in later adaptations ("The Yangguan Trilogy") underscores its emotional weight.

4. "Once you go west past Yangguan, there will be no old friends"
   - Yangguan was a strategic pass leading to the harsh western frontier. Beyond it lay vast deserts and unfamiliar lands. The line expresses deep sorrow—the traveler will be isolated, far from familiar companionship.

Themes and Symbolism

• Farewell and Friendship: The poem embodies the Chinese tradition of 送别诗 (sòngbié shī, farewell poetry), emphasizing the value of deep personal bonds.
• Nature’s Transience: The rain and willows reflect the fleeting nature of moments, a common theme in Wang Wei’s Buddhist-influenced works.
• Journey and Isolation: The western frontier symbolizes the unknown, highlighting the loneliness of long-distance travel in ancient times.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, China’s borders expanded, and officials were often sent to remote regions like Anxi. These missions were dangerous, and farewells carried a sense of finality. Wang Wei, a court official himself, understood the emotional toll of such partings.

The poem also reflects Daoist and Buddhist philosophies—accepting impermanence while cherishing the present. Its enduring popularity led to its adaptation into a musical piece, sung at farewell gatherings.

Conclusion

"送元二使安西" is a masterpiece of economy and emotion, using simple imagery to convey profound feelings of friendship and loss. Its universal themes resonate even today, reminding us to cherish moments with loved ones before life’s journeys pull us apart.

For modern readers, Wang Wei’s poem is not just a relic of the past but a timeless meditation on human connection—one that transcends cultures and centuries.