Analysis of "送郭司仓" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"送郭司仓" (Sòng Guō Sīcāng, "Farewell to Administrator Guo") is a famous farewell poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Changling (王昌龄, 698–756). Wang was a prominent figure in the High Tang period, known for his mastery of the jueju (绝句, quatrain) form and his emotionally resonant poetry. This poem reflects the deep friendship between the poet and his friend Guo, who is departing for a new post. Farewell poems (送别诗, sòngbié shī) were a common genre in classical Chinese literature, often expressing both sorrow at parting and hope for the future.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

映门淮水绿
Yìng mén Huái shuǐ lǜ
The Huai River's green waters reflect by the door,

留骑主人心
Liú qí zhǔrén xīn
The host's heart longs to keep the rider.

明月随良掾
Míngyuè suí liáng yuàn
The bright moon follows the virtuous clerk,

春潮夜夜深
Chūn cháo yè yè shēn
The spring tide swells night after night.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The Huai River's green waters reflect by the door"
   - The poem opens with a serene natural image—the green waters of the Huai River, a major river in eastern China. The reflection suggests clarity and tranquility, setting a peaceful yet melancholic tone for the farewell.

2. "The host's heart longs to keep the rider"
   - The "host" (the poet) expresses his reluctance to part with his friend, Guo, who is the "rider" departing on horseback. This line conveys deep personal attachment.

3. "The bright moon follows the virtuous clerk"
   - The "virtuous clerk" refers to Guo, who is leaving for an official post. The moon symbolizes companionship—even though Guo is leaving, the poet suggests that the moon (a traditional symbol of constancy) will accompany him.

4. "The spring tide swells night after night"
   - The rising spring tide represents the poet’s growing sorrow. The repetition of "night after night" emphasizes the enduring nature of his feelings.

Themes and Symbolism

• Friendship and Parting
  The poem captures the bittersweet emotions of farewell—both the sadness of separation and the hope that the bond remains strong.

• Nature as Emotional Mirror
  The river, moon, and tides reflect the poet’s inner state. The green waters suggest life and vitality, while the swelling tide mirrors his deepening sorrow.

• Constancy and Change
  The moon symbolizes unchanging friendship, while the flowing river and rising tide signify the inevitability of change.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, farewell poems were a way to express respect and affection for departing friends, often composed at banquets or gatherings. Wang Changling’s poem exemplifies the refined emotional restraint and natural imagery typical of Tang poetry. The reference to the Huai River also situates the poem geographically, as Wang served as an official in the region.

Conclusion

"送郭司仓" is a masterpiece of understated emotion, using simple yet profound imagery to convey the depth of friendship. Its themes of parting, nature, and enduring bonds remain universally relatable. Even today, readers can appreciate its quiet beauty and the timeless truth that true friendship, like the moon, transcends distance.