Li Bai's 'Moonlight' Poem: Chinese Classic with English Translation

Li Bai's 'Moonlight' Poem: Chinese Classic with English Translation

This iconic poem by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, known as 'Moonlight' ('怀古望月' Huái Gǔ Wàng Yuè), captures the universal emotion of longing and homesickness with simple yet powerful imagery.

中文原文

床前明月光，疑是地上霜。举头望明月，低头思故乡。

英文翻译

'The bright moonlight before my bed, Seems like frost upon the ground. I lift my head and watch the moon, Then lower it, missing my hometown.'

Analysis

The poem's beauty lies in its simplicity and the evocative imagery. The first two lines paint a picture of the moonlit night, with the moonlight so bright that it appears as frost on the ground. This creates a sense of tranquility and serenity. The last two lines then shift the focus to the speaker's emotional state. The act of looking up at the moon and then lowering the head evokes a deep sense of homesickness and longing for loved ones.

Li Bai's Legacy

Li Bai's 'Moonlight' has become a beloved classic, not only for its poetic beauty but also for its universal appeal. It speaks to the human experience of missing home and loved ones, a feeling that resonates across cultures and time.