Quet Night Thoughts

About this artwork

Li Bai (701-762), or Li Po, is one of the greatest masters of Chinese poetry, and 'Quiet Night Thoughts' is a beloved testament to his skill. It's often a first encounter for students of classical Chinese poetry, and likely the first that many of us attempt to translate. In just twenty words, Li Bai captures a moment of waking wonder and deep homesickness. He sees moonlight, mistakes it for frost, and then is overcome with longing. This emotional simplicity is a hallmark of Chinese poetry, and this poem resonates deeply with me. Li Bai, known for sharing his poetry in taverns, on ferryboats, and with fellow travelers, wrote in a style as free as his spirit. This poem, deceptively simple, reflects that open, natural approach. Yet, translation is a challenge. 'Traduttore, traditore'—translator, traitor—speaks to the inevitable loss of nuance. This translation, my own, is a moment in time. Tomorrow, it might be different, so alive and direct is Li Bai's language. Quiet Night Thoughts Li Bai (Li Po) 701-762 Moonlight at the foot of the bed. Could that be frost? Head up... the moon. Head drooping... homesick."