Analysis of "临江仙·夜归临皋" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"临江仙·夜归临皋" (Lín Jiāng Xiān · Yè Guī Lín Gāo) is a famous lyric poem (cí) by Su Shi (苏轼, 1037–1101), also known as Su Dongpo (苏东坡), one of China's greatest poets and statesmen of the Song Dynasty. This poem reflects Su Shi's philosophical musings on life, nature, and transcendence after a night of drinking. Written during his political exile, it blends Daoist detachment with a deep appreciation for the natural world, making it a masterpiece of classical Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Full Text:

夜饮东坡醒复醉，
Yè yǐn Dōngpō xǐng fù zuì,
Drinking at night by East Slope, sober then drunk again,

归来仿佛三更。
Guīlái fǎngfú sān gēng.
Returning home around midnight.

家童鼻息已雷鸣。
Jiā tóng bíxī yǐ léi míng.
The houseboy snores like thunder.

敲门都不应，
Qiāo mén dōu bù yìng,
Knocking—no one answers,

倚杖听江声。
Yǐ zhàng tīng jiāng shēng.
Leaning on my cane, I listen to the river’s sound.

长恨此身非我有，
Cháng hèn cǐ shēn fēi wǒ yǒu,
I’ve long regretted this body isn’t truly mine—

何时忘却营营？
Hé shí wàngquè yíng yíng?
When will I forget life’s vain hustle?

夜阑风静縠纹平。
Yè lán fēng jìng hú wén píng.
Late night, wind stills, ripples smooth to silk.

小舟从此逝，
Xiǎo zhōu cóng cǐ shì,
A little boat drifts away from here,

江海寄余生。
Jiāng hǎi jì yúshēng.
Entrusting my remaining years to rivers and seas.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "夜饮东坡醒复醉" – The opening line sets the scene: Su Shi drinks alone at night, cycling between sobriety and intoxication. This reflects his attempt to escape worldly worries.

2. "归来仿佛三更" – Time blurs ("仿佛" fǎngfú—"as if") as he stumbles home late, emphasizing disorientation.

3. "家童鼻息已雷鸣" – Humorous imagery contrasts the poet’s solitude with the oblivious servant’s loud snoring.

4. "倚杖听江声" – A pivotal moment: instead of frustration, he pauses to listen to the river, symbolizing meditation and harmony with nature.

5. "长恨此身非我有" – A Daoist lament: the body is trapped by societal duties ("营营" yíng yíng—"hustle").

6. "夜阑风静縠纹平" – The tranquil river mirrors his inner calm, suggesting enlightenment.

7. "小舟从此逝，江海寄余生" – The closing lines dream of freedom—a boat carrying him into reclusive harmony with the cosmos.

Themes and Symbolism

• Transience vs. Eternity: The river’s endless flow contrasts with human life’s brevity.
• Daoist Liberation: The wish to "forget hustle" echoes Zhuangzi’s ideal of effortless existence (wuwei).
• Nature as Refuge: The river and boat symbolize escape from political strife.

Cultural Context

Written during Su Shi’s exile to Huangzhou (1080–1086), this poem embodies the ci genre’s lyrical flexibility. It merges Confucian introspection ("长恨此身非我有") with Daoist yearning for detachment. Historically, it’s said locals panicked upon reading "小舟从此逝," fearing Su Shi had drowned—a testament to its emotional power.

Conclusion

"临江仙·夜归临皋" captures a universal human moment: the longing to shed burdens and merge with nature’s timeless rhythm. Su Shi’s blend of wit, vulnerability, and philosophical depth makes the poem resonate across centuries. For modern readers, it’s a reminder of poetry’s power to transform solitude into serenity.

"The river’s voice is the voice of the cosmos—listening to it, we find our way home."

Further Reading:
- The Selected Poems of Su Shi (trans. Burton Watson)
- The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry (ed. Burton Watson)

Would you like a similar analysis of another poem by Su Shi, such as "水调歌头" (Prelude to Water Melody)?