Mooring at Niuzhu at Night and Remembering the Past
Night on the western river at Niuzhu;
Not a cloud crosses the blue sky.
I board the boat and look at the autumn moon,
Remembering General Xie in vain.
I too can recite aloud,
But that man is no longer here to hear.
Tomorrow morning I shall raise the sail;
Maple leaves fall in flurries.
Notes
Niuzhu is near present-day Dangtu in Anhui. General Xie refers to Xie Shang, traditionally said to have heard and admired Yuan Hong reciting poetry there. “That man” refers to Xie, who lived long before the speaker.
Meaning
Mooring at Niuzhu, the poet recalls General Xie’s appreciation of a poet and imagines leaving the next morning amid falling maple leaves.
Appreciation
Clear sky and autumn moon establish the night and recall the setting of the old Niuzhu story.
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Looking at the moon leads into remembering General Xie.
The speaker can also recite, but the earlier listener cannot hear across time.
The final lines return to departure and falling autumn leaves.
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.