
The Gift for Wang Lun
By Leo

28 Jul, 2023

Once upon a time, in the beautiful city of Suzhou, known as the 'Venice of the East', there lived a brilliant and philosophical man named Li Bai. He was a great poet and his poems were loved by everyone in China. Among his many friends, there was a man named Wang Lun, who was also a poet.

When Li Bai learned that his friend Wang was departing to Yangzhou, he was filled with a mix of sorrow and happiness. He was happy that Wang was given an excellent opportunity, but was also sad because he would miss his dear friend.

Having mixed feelings, Li Bai decided to use his talent to express his sentiments. He decided to write a poem for Wang Lun as a farewell gift. This poem was titled “送汪伦” (Song Wang Lun), which translates to “Farewell to Wang Lun”.

Li Bai started off the poem with a poignant quote, "The white sun sets behind the mountains, and the Yellow River flows into the sea." He was comparing the sun setting behind the mountains to Wang leaving Suzhou, and the Yellow River flowing into the sea symbolized Wang's journey ahead.

By using these metaphors of nature, Li Bai captured his feelings while also showcasing the beauty of their homeland. A homeland that Wang would now be leaving behind in his pursuit of a promising new opportunity.

Li Bai continued his verses, depicting the longing for one's homeland and friends. He wrote, "To see off a friend, you need a drink of wine. I urge you not to care too much about the water of Yangzhou." Through these lines, he was expressing his anticipation for a future reunion and encouraging his friend to keep their hometown in mind while moving forward.

When Li Bai presented the poem to Wang Lun before his departure, Wang was moved beyond words. He cherished the poem and the emotions it captured, and felt the friendship between them deepen.

Meanwhile, the news of Li Bai’s beautiful poem travelled across Suzhou. People from all over the city came to bid farewell to Wang Lun and also to appreciate Li Bai’s heartfelt words.

Wang Lun departed for Yangzhou, carrying with him the cherished poem and the memories of his dear friend. The poem became a comforting beacon of friendship and home as he navigated the new challenges and opportunities in Yangzhou.

As Wang settled in Yangzhou, he remained true to Li Bai’s words. He kept his roots in mind, carried his teachings forward in his works, and earned a name for himself in the world of literature.

Back in Suzhou, Li Bai continued to write exquisite poems, earning more respect and admiration. However, no poem he wrote ever held as much personal significance to him as "送汪伦" (Song Wang Lun).

A year passed, and Wang Lun returned to Suzhou. He was welcomed back not just as a successful writer, but also as a friend who had been dearly missed. The reunion was a joyful one, filled with laughter, stories, and of course, poetry.

The reunion was made even more special when Wang Lun revealed that he had carried the farewell poem with him everywhere he went in Yangzhou. The poem had kept him company in his moments of loneliness, reminding him of his dear friend and beloved Suzhou.

Touched by Wang Lun's words, Li Bai felt a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment. His poem had accomplished more than just bidding farewell to a departing friend; it had turned into a symbol of their unbreakable bond and shared passion for poetry.

This story of friendship and the powerful poem “送汪伦” (Song Wang Lun) became local legends in Suzhou. The poem continued to inspire generations, reminding them of the deep connection between friends and the incredible power of words to evoke emotions.

While Li Bai and Wang Lun’s story spread through Suzhou and beyond, they continued to live their lives, with their friendship only growing stronger. They continued to write and share their stories, their works inspiring generations to come.

Li Bai’s poem "送汪伦" (Song Wang Lun), and the story behind it, was a testament to the power of friendship and the beauty of poetic expression. It showed how words can comfort us in times of change, serve as a warm reminder of home, and keep a friendship alive even when miles apart.

The poem also traveled beyond the borders of Suzhou and Yangzhou. It reached every corner of China, spreading the message of friendship and the beauty of their homeland. The heartfelt poem and the inspiring story behind it became timeless masterpieces, adored by all.

And so, the story of Li Bai’s farewell poem to his dear friend Wang Lun continued to echo through time, exemplifying the profound bond of friendship and the enduring power of poetry. This tale of friendship, longing, and the beautiful expression of these feelings through words is a cherished part of Chinese literary history.

Through this story, every young mind learns the importance of friendship and the power of words. They learn that words can be a source of comfort during difficult times and a means of expressing deep emotions. Most importantly, they learn that poetry can become a bridge, connecting hearts across vast distances.

Suzhou, Yangzhou, Li Bai, Wang Lun, and the beautiful poem “送汪伦” (Song Wang Lun) are all enduring symbols of the deep friendships and the rich cultural heritage of China. They are a reminder to us all of the unbreakable bonds we forge with our friends, and the treasures we leave behind through our words.

As we embark on our journeys, let us not forget our deepest friendships and the warmth of our homes. May we always cherish the comforting power of words and the lasting solace they can provide. May we always remember the lessons learned from this beautiful tale of Li Bai and Wang Lun.

Just as the white sun that sets behind the mountains reappears in a new dawn, friendships withstand the test of time and distance. And just like the mighty Yellow River that flows into the sea, our journeys in life lead us to new experiences, while our roots keep us grounded.

In the poetic world of Li Bai and Wang Lun, generations continue to find wisdom, solace, and inspiration. The story of their friendship and the timeless poem "送汪伦" (Song Wang Lun) continue to glow like bright stars in the vast universe of Chinese literature.

This tale of enduring friendship, and the beautiful poem that encapsulates it, will forever remind us of the timeless connection between friends, the power of words, and the lasting impact of genuine emotions expressed beautifully. As the story of Li Bai and Wang Lun continues to be told, the values they embody will forever illuminate the path of friendship and poetic expression.