Farewell to Dong Da I
Yellow clouds stretch far beneath a dimming sun;
North wind drives the geese as snow falls thickly.
Do not worry that the road ahead has no true friends;
Who in the world does not know you?
Notes
Dong Da is a friend, commonly identified with musician Dong Tinglan; “Da” indicates family rank. Xūn means dim. Zhījǐ is a friend who truly understands you, and jūn addresses the friend respectfully.
Meaning
Yellow clouds, north wind, geese and falling snow set the scene for a farewell. The speaker encourages a friend not to worry about finding companions on the road ahead.
Appreciation
The poem begins with a wintry landscape and turns to encouraging words for a departing friend.
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Clouds, a dim sun, wind, geese and snow make the road appear cold and wide.
The closing lines change the mood: “Do not worry” offers comfort, and the final question expresses confidence through exaggeration.
Compare the weather in the first half with the speaker’s words in the second, then offer your own encouragement to a friend.
About the poet
Gao Shi (c. 704–765), courtesy name Dafu, was a Tang poet and official known for writing about frontier life, journeys and friendship.
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Life: Gao traveled in his early years and later held office. He knew fellow poets including Li Bai and Du Fu.
Works: Alongside Farewell to Dong Da, his poems include Song of Yan.
Sources
Poem and reading reference: Shicile · Poet biography reference · poems-db
Translation and explanations by Poetry Buds; review ongoing.