Synopsis
Su Shi's ci poem written during the Mid-Autumn Festival in 1076, considered the greatest Mid-Autumn poem in Chinese literary history.
Original Text
明月几时有？把酒问青天。
不知天上宫阙，今夕是何年。
我欲乘风归去，又恐琼楼玉宇，高处不胜寒。
起舞弄清影，何似在人间。
转朱阁，低绮户，照无眠。
不应有恨，何事长向别时圆？
人有悲欢离合，月有阴晴圆缺，此事古难全。
但愿人长久，千里共婵娟。
When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup and ask the sky.
I know not in the celestial palace, what year it is tonight.
I wish to ride the wind and return there, yet fear the jade towers high,
For in those lofty heights, the cold would be too much to bear.
I rise and dance with my clear shadow — how can that compare to life among men?
Overview
"Prelude to Water Melody" (Shui Diao Ge Tou) is a ci poem written by Su Shi during the Mid-Autumn Festival of 1076, during the Northern Song Dynasty. At the time, Su Shi was serving as prefect of Mizhou, and had been separated from his younger brother Su Zhe for seven years. This poem takes the Mid-Autumn moon as its subject, expressing both the author's longing for his brother and profound philosophical reflections on life. It is considered the greatest Mid-Autumn poem in Chinese literary history.
About the Author
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Su Shi (1037-1101) |
| Courtesy Name | Zizhan |
| Pen Name | Dongpo Jushi |
| Dynasty | Northern Song |
| Title | "Poet God" |
| Famous Works | "Former Ode on the Red Cliff," "Nian Nu Jiao: Memories of the Red Cliff" |
Su Shi was the greatest literary figure of the Northern Song Dynasty, achieving excellence in poetry, ci, prose, calligraphy, and painting.
Famous Lines
| Line | Meaning |
|---|---|
| When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup and ask the sky. | The poet asks the heavens when the moon will shine so brightly again |
| People have sorrows and joys, parting and reunion; the moon has its dimness and brightness, waxing and waning | Nothing has been perfect since ancient times |
| May we live long and share the beauty of the moon, though miles apart | The poet's wish for his loved ones' health and well-being |
Cultural Impact
This poem holds a supreme position in Chinese literary history. "May we live long and share the beauty of the moon" has become the most representative Mid-Autumn Festival blessing. It is included in middle school textbooks and is one of the most widely known classical poems in the Chinese-speaking world. Singer Faye Wong adapted it into a song, ensuring its continued popularity in modern times.
References
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Su_Shi
2.古诗文网: https://www.gushiwen.cn/ - Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/水调歌头·明月几时有
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