Meeting Li Guinian South of the River
I often saw you at Prince Qi’s residence,
And heard you sing many times before Cui Jiu’s hall.
Now, in the beautiful scenery south of the river,
I meet you again in the season of falling flowers.
Notes
Li Guinian was a Tang musician known for singing. Prince Qi was a brother of Emperor Xuanzong; Cui Jiu was Cui Di. Falling flowers mark late spring and can also evoke the passing of time.
Meaning
The poet recalls hearing the musician in earlier years and meets him again in Jiangnan during late spring.
Appreciation
The opening recalls earlier encounters and performances in two residences.
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The reunion occurs amid beautiful scenery and falling flowers, allowing pleasure and sadness to coexist.
The historical context includes upheaval after the An Lushan rebellion, though the poem does not narrate every event.
A quiet “meet again” leaves the years between past and present for the reader to imagine.
About the poet
Du Fu (712–770), courtesy name Zimei, was a major Tang poet.
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His poetry records personal experience and the upheaval of his age, including the An Lushan rebellion.
He lived in Kuizhou in later years; his works include Spring View and Ascending the Heights.