Li Bai's 'Quiet Night Thoughts' - English Translation & Meaning

Li Bai's 'Quiet Night Thoughts' - English Translation & Meaning

'Quiet Night Thoughts' is a celebrated poem by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, known for its simple yet profound exploration of homesickness. The poem captures the poet's contemplation under the moonlight, a moment that triggers a deep yearning for his distant home.

Original Chinese:

床前明月光，疑是地上霜。 举头望明月，低头思故乡。

English Translation:

'The bright moonlight before my bed, Seems like frost on the ground; I raise my head to gaze at the moon, And lower it to think of my hometown.'

Interpretation:

The poem's beauty lies in its simplicity. The first two lines paint a picture of the moonlight illuminating the poet's bed, so bright it appears like frost on the ground. This image sets the scene for the poet's contemplation. The next two lines reveal his emotional state. He looks up at the moon, a symbol of both beauty and distance, and is overwhelmed by a longing for his home. The act of lowering his head signifies the weight of his homesickness.

'Quiet Night Thoughts' is a timeless poem that resonates with readers across cultures and generations. It speaks to the universal human experience of longing and the comfort found in memories of home.