Beyond the Frontier I
The moon of Qin shines over the passes of Han;
Those sent far away have not returned.
If only the flying general of Dragon City were here,
He would not let enemy riders cross the Yin Mountains.
Notes
A frontier song describes life at the border. “Long journey” refers to military service far away. The identity of the “flying general” is debated. The Yin Mountains lie in present-day Inner Mongolia; bù jiào means “not allow.”
Meaning
An ancient moon and frontier pass frame the absence of soldiers far from home. The speaker wishes for a famed defender who could keep enemy riders beyond the mountains.
Appreciation
The poem joins historical time, a distant frontier and soldiers who have not returned.
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Its opening combines the moon and passes of earlier dynasties, then focuses on people far from home.
The wish for a capable defender expresses a hope for security. Readers have differed over the general’s exact identity.
Explain the distant journey and the hope of returning safely before discussing the poem’s historical setting.
About the poet
Wang Changling, courtesy name Shaobo, was a Tang poet known for seven-character quatrains on frontier life, farewells and friendship. His exact dates are disputed.
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Life: Wang served in official posts and spent time away from the capital; sources differ on his exact dates.
Works: Beyond the Frontier and Farewell to Xin Jian at Hibiscus Tower are among his best-known poems.
Sources
Poem and reading reference: Shicile · Poet biography reference · poems-db
Translation and explanations by Poetry Buds; review ongoing.