Скачать или смотреть The Deep Stream: A Guide to Wei Yingwu’s "Chuzhou West Creek" (滁州西涧)

Video Details
• Poem Title: Chuzhou Xijian (The West Stream at Chuzhou / 滁州西涧)
• Author: Wei Yingwu (Tang Dynasty)
• Genre: Seven-character Quatrain (Landscape Poetry)
• Composition Year: Approx. 781 AD (Tang Dezong Era)

Video Description
In this video, we explore "The Deep Stream" (Chuzhou Xijian), a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty landscape poetry by Wei Yingwu. Written around 781 AD while Wei served as the Governor of Chuzhou, this seven-character quatrain captures a serene yet complex moment in nature that has fascinated readers for centuries.
In this video, we cover:
1. The Imagery of the Stream The poem depicts a spring excursion to the West Stream (also known as the Shangma River), located west of Chuzhou city. We analyze the vibrant contrast between the quiet "secluded grass" growing by the stream and the "golden orioles" singing deep within the trees. These opening lines create a visual masterpiece, weaving together fresh colors and melodious sounds.
2. The Famous Metaphor: "The Boat Lies Horizontal" The poem's most famous imagery appears in the final two lines: "Spring tides rush late with rain / At the wild ferry, no one is there, the boat lies horizontal". While this scene describes a sudden evening rain and a rushing tide, the image of the empty boat drifting freely ("Zi Heng") represents a state of leisure, nature, and perhaps solitary self-appreciation.
3. Hidden Political Meanings? Is this poem simply a landscape painting, or does it hold a deeper political message? We discuss the historical debate among scholars. Some critics, like Xie Dieshan, believe the "secluded grass" represents a virtuous gentleman out of power, while the "orioles" represent petty officials in high positions. The "rushing tide" may symbolize dangerous political times. However, others argue that the poem serves as a pure expression of Wei Yingwu’s indifferent and peaceful state of mind.
4. About the Author: Wei Yingwu Learn about the fascinating life of Wei Yingwu (737–792), often grouped with famous landscape poets like Wang Wei and Meng Haoran. Originally a rowdy youth who served as a bodyguard to Emperor Xuanzong, Wei turned to scholarly pursuits after the An Lushan Rebellion and became known for his "high and distant" poetic style.
Poem Text: Original: 独怜幽草涧边生，上有黄鹂深树鸣。 春潮带雨晚来急，野渡无人舟自横。
Translation: I love the secluded grass growing beside the stream, Above, yellow orioles sing deep in the trees. The spring tide brings rain, rushing late in the day, At the deserted ferry, no one is there; the boat lies across the water alone.