Li Shangyin was born about 812 or 813 CE, but the exact date is uncertain. His career was rough, and he never obtained a high position, either because of factional disputes or because of his association with Liu Fen (劉蕡), a prominent opponent of the eunuchs.

 

离亭赋得折杨柳

(二首其二)

含烟惹雾[1]每依依[2],

万绪千条拂落晖。

为报行人休尽折,

半留相送半迎归。

前半描写杨柳的风姿可爱,无论在烟雾之中,还是在夕阳之下,都是千枝万缕,依依有情。杨柳如此多情,既管送人,也管迎人,不必将它一齐折掉。折掉一半,送人;留下一半,迎人,岂不妙哉。该诗匠心独具,构思高超。

注释:

[1]含烟惹雾:笼罩在烟雾中的茂密的柳条。

[2]依依:状恋恋不舍。

Breaking Willow Twigs at Parting

(II)

Willow leaves drink smoke and mist,unwilling to leave,

And thousands of branches caress the setting sun.

Don’t break all the twigs.O’lover,lest it should grieve

Your friend on his return to see all trees stripped and done.

Note:The willow tree was not only a symbol of grief at parting but also a witness of joy at meeting or reunion.