Reflections on a Quiet Night

Reflections on a Quiet Night

Li Bai(Tang)

Before my bed shine bright the silver beams,

It seems the autunm frost on the ground so gleams.

I gaze upwards toward the moon in the sky,

And downwards bow as nostalgia does arise.

Comment

The moon is the usual symbol of nostalgia in the works of most Chinese poets, however, his poem is a rare exception for its expressiveness and directness. A pool of light before the bed looks just like autumn hoarfrost at first glance. Is it really frost? The poet wonders. Upon a closer look he finds out it is the moon light. In Chinese tradition the phases of the moon have always signified family separation and reunion. At this emotional moment the poet cannot help but feel lonely and miss his family far away.