Synopsis
Qiang Jin Jiu (Bring in the Wine) is one of the most famous poems by Li Bai, the Immortal of Poetry of Tang Dynasty China.
Overview
Qiang Jin Jiu is a masterpiece by Li Bai (701-762), composed around 744 CE. The title means Bring in the Wine, a traditional Yuefu theme. The poem uses wine as a thread to express the poet's reflections on the brevity of life and his own untapped talents.
The Poem
Do you not see the Yellow River's waters come from the sky,
Rushing to the sea, never to return?
Do you not see the bright mirror in the hall grieving over white hair?
In the morning like black silk, by evening turned to snow.
When life is triumphant, enjoy it to the fullest,
Do not let the golden cup stand empty against the moon.
Heaven has born me with talents that must be useful,
A thousand gold pieces scattered will come back again.
About the Poet
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Li Bai (701-762) |
| Title | The Immortal of Poetry |
| Dynasty | Tang |
Analysis
The poem opens with the Yellow River as a metaphor for time's passage. It laments aging and urges enjoyment of life's triumphs. The famous line Heaven has born me with talents that must be useful embodies Li Bai's confident, romantic spirit.
References
- Complete Tang Poems, Volume 168
- Wang Qi, Complete Works of Li Taibai
- Yuan Xingpei, Studies in Chinese Poetry
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