Farewell on a Spring Night: A Poem by Chen Zi'ang

The poem "Farewell on a Spring Night" (Chunye Bie Youren) by Chen Zi'ang (661-702) captures the poignant emotions of parting with a dear friend. The verses paint a vivid scene of a farewell gathering, where the glow of a silver candle releases blue smoke and a golden wine cup faces a richly adorned table.

The poet reflects on the deep bond shared with his friend, even as the path ahead stretches long and winding through mountains and rivers. The imagery shifts to the natural world as the bright moon hides behind tall trees and the Milky Way dissolves into the dawn sky. The weight of the occasion is palpable, with the poet describing the solemn atmosphere that settles over the gathering as the night progresses into morning.

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Silver candlelight releases blue smoke, and a golden wine cup faces a splendid banquet. At the farewell gathering, we recall our deep friendship, but the road ahead will wind through mountains and rivers, stretching far away.

While the poem acknowledges the sadness and the fading hope of a reunion, it also carries an undercurrent of optimism. The journey to Luoyang, though distant and arduous, represents a new departure for the young poet. The quiet of the spring night, though deep, is tinged with the subtle excitement that accompanies the anticipation of new experiences.

This duality, the sorrow of separation intertwined with the quiet thrill of a new beginning, prevents the poem from being solely an expression of grief. It resonates with the complex feelings that accompany significant life transitions, where farewells are tinged with the promise of future journeys.

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The bright moon hides behind tall trees, and the Milky Way sinks into the dawn sky. On the long, winding road to Luoyang, when will we meet again?