Crossing Jingmen: A Farewell
I travel by water beyond distant Jingmen,
Coming to wander in the old land of Chu.
Mountains end as the level plain unfolds;
The river enters the vast open country.
The moon descends like a flying mirror from heaven;
Clouds gather into towers like a mirage.
Still I cherish the water from my home,
Which accompanies my boat across the long journey.
Notes
Jingmen is a mountain area in present-day Hubei; Chu refers to the old regional name. The moon’s reflection is compared to a mirror and clouds to a mirage. Water from the poet’s home region is imagined accompanying his boat.
Meaning
Travelling by boat beyond Jingmen, the poet sees mountains give way to plains and imagines the river from home accompanying him.
Appreciation
The opening locates a boat journey beyond Jingmen in the old land of Chu.
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Mountains give way to plains from the moving traveller’s perspective.
A mirror and mirage-like towers turn moonlight and cloud into vivid images.
Water from home becomes the companion that sees the boat off.
About the poet
Li Bai (c. 701–762), courtesy name Taibai, was a Tang poet whose travels inspired many poems about landscapes, friendship and journeys.
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Life: Li Bai grew up in the Shu region and traveled widely. He was summoned to serve at the Tang court before continuing his journeys.
Works: His poems include Thoughts on a Quiet Night, Viewing the Waterfall at Mount Lu and To Wang Lun.