Analysis of "送李少府贬峡中王少府贬长沙" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "送李少府贬峡中王少府贬长沙" (Sòng Lǐ Shàofǔ Biǎn Xiázhōng Wáng Shàofǔ Biǎn Chángshā) was written by Gao Shi (高适, c. 704–765), a prominent Tang Dynasty poet known for his frontier-style poetry (边塞诗). This farewell poem reflects the sorrow of parting with two friends who were demoted and exiled—one to the remote Xiazhong (峡中, near the Three Gorges) and the other to Changsha (长沙, in Hunan).

Gao Shi masterfully blends melancholy with resilience, offering solace to his friends while subtly criticizing the political injustices of the time. The poem is celebrated for its emotional depth and classical elegance, embodying the Tang Dynasty's poetic brilliance.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Full Text

嗟君此别意何如，
Jiē jūn cǐ bié yì hérú,
Alas, how do you feel at this parting?

驻马衔杯问谪居。
Zhù mǎ xián bēi wèn zhéjū.
I halt my horse, raise a cup, and ask of your exile.

巫峡啼猿数行泪，
Wū xiá tí yuán shù háng lèi,
The apes’ cries in Wu Gorge draw streams of tears,

衡阳归雁几封书。
Héngyáng guī yàn jǐ fēng shū.
The wild geese returning to Hengyang—how many letters will they bring?

青枫江上秋帆远，
Qīngfēng jiāng shàng qiū fān yuǎn,
On the Green Maple River, autumn sails fade into the distance,

白帝城边古木疏。
Báidì chéng biān gǔ mù shū.
By White Emperor City, ancient trees stand sparse.

圣代即今多雨露，
Shèng dài jíjīn duō yǔlù,
In this enlightened era, grace falls like rain and dew,

暂时分手莫踌躇。
Zànshí fēnshǒu mò chóuchú.
Parting is but temporary—do not linger in sorrow.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "嗟君此别意何如"
   The opening line sets a tone of melancholy, with the poet sighing (嗟) and questioning how his friends feel about their exile. The rhetorical question invites reflection on the pain of separation.

2. "驻马衔杯问谪居"
   The poet stops his horse (驻马) and shares a farewell drink (衔杯), a common Tang Dynasty ritual. The act of "asking about exile" (问谪居) shows deep concern for their suffering.

3. "巫峡啼猿数行泪"
   The Wu Gorge (巫峡) was infamous for its desolate beauty and the mournful cries of apes, symbolizing sorrow. The "streams of tears" (数行泪) suggest shared grief.

4. "衡阳归雁几封书"
   Hengyang (衡阳) was believed to be the southern limit for migrating wild geese. The poet wonders if letters (几封书) will reach his friends, highlighting the uncertainty of communication in exile.

5. "青枫江上秋帆远"
   The Green Maple River (青枫江) evokes autumn’s melancholy. The distant sails (秋帆远) symbolize the friends’ journeys into the unknown.

6. "白帝城边古木疏"
   White Emperor City (白帝城) was a historic site near the Yangtze River. The "sparse ancient trees" (古木疏) reinforce the desolation of exile.

7. "圣代即今多雨露"
   A subtle critique—the poet calls the era "enlightened" (圣代) but hints that imperial grace (雨露) is inconsistent, as his friends were unjustly exiled.

8. "暂时分手莫踌躇"
   The closing line offers consolation: their separation is temporary (暂时分手), urging them not to despair (莫踌躇).

Themes and Symbolism

1. Exile and Separation

The poem captures the Tang Dynasty’s harsh reality of political demotion (贬谪). The imagery of distant landscapes (Wu Gorge, Hengyang) emphasizes isolation.

2. Nature as a Mirror of Emotion

• Apes’ cries → Sorrow
• Wild geese → Hope for communication
• Autumn sails and sparse trees → Loneliness

3. Resilience in Adversity

Despite the sadness, Gao Shi encourages his friends to endure, reflecting Confucian ideals of perseverance (坚毅).

Cultural Context

Tang Dynasty Exile Culture

Demotion to remote regions was a common punishment for officials who displeased the emperor. Many poets, including Li Bai and Liu Zongyuan, wrote about exile’s hardships.

Friendship in Classical Poetry

Farewell poems (送别诗) were a major literary tradition. Drinking wine, exchanging verses, and invoking nature were ways to express camaraderie.

Conclusion

Gao Shi’s "送李少府贬峡中王少府贬长沙" is a masterpiece of emotional restraint and classical elegance. It mourns injustice while offering hope, blending personal grief with universal themes of exile and resilience.

For modern readers, the poem resonates as a reminder of friendship’s enduring strength—even across distance and hardship. Its beauty lies not just in its words, but in its unspoken message: that art and compassion can transcend even the deepest sorrows.

Final Thought:
"The true journey is not in miles traveled, but in the hearts that remember you."

Would you like a deeper dive into any specific line or historical reference? Let me know in the comments!