Returning to Mount Song
Clear water winds beside long stretches of brush;
Carriage and horses travel on at ease.
The flowing water seems to share my purpose;
Evening birds return together with me.
A deserted town faces an ancient ferry;
The setting sun fills the autumn mountains.
Far away, beneath lofty Mount Song,
Returning, I shall close the gate for a while.
Notes
Mount Song lies near present-day Dengfeng in Henan. Bo means a thicket. Evening birds have a variant reading as evening clouds. Closing the gate suggests a period of quiet retreat.
Meaning
On the way to Mount Song, the poet observes water, birds, an old ferry and autumn sunset, then anticipates quiet retreat.
Appreciation
Clear water and unhurried travel establish the pace of the return.
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Water and birds seem to accompany the traveller, joining landscape to human movement.
A deserted town, old ferry and sunset widen the scene.
The final “for a while” makes the retreat a stated intention without requiring a permanent withdrawal.
About the poet
Wang Wei (c. 701–761), courtesy name Mojie, was a Tang poet, painter and official whose family originated near present-day Qixian, Shanxi.
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He served in government and spent time at Wangchuan; poems exchanged with Pei Di are well known.
His works also include Deer Enclosure and Seeing Yuan Er Off to Anxi.