Farewell: Poem One
Graceful and slender, just past thirteen,
Like cardamom blossoms at the start of the second month.
Along the spring-wind avenues of Yangzhou,
All the raised beaded curtains cannot compare.
Notes
The title marks a farewell. The opening describes someone just past thirteen, compared to cardamom blossoms in early spring. The final image evokes Yangzhou streets and raised beaded curtains; the poem leaves some of the comparison implicit.
Meaning
The speaker compares a young person to early cardamom blossoms and imagines her standing out amid the streets of Yangzhou.
Appreciation
The first farewell poem moves from a person compared to spring blossoms to a view of Yangzhou streets.
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The repeated sounds of the opening suggest a light rhythm; the image of early blossom emphasizes youth.
Spring wind and beaded curtains create a broad backdrop for the speaker’s comparison.
The companion poem focuses more directly on the difficulty of expressing farewell.
About the poet
Du Mu (803–852), courtesy name Muzhi, was a Tang poet and official from the area of present-day Xi’an. His works include Mountain Journey, Spring in Jiangnan and the prose-poem Efang Palace.
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Life: Du Mu held posts in the Yangzhou area and later served in regional offices, including Huangzhou and Chizhou.
Works: Alongside Qingming, his well-known writing includes Mountain Journey, Spring in Jiangnan and Efang Palace.