古(ɡǔ)朗(lǎnɡ)月(yuè)行(xínɡ)(节(jié)选(xuǎn))

李(lǐ)白(bái)〔唐(tánɡ)代(dài)〕

小(xiǎo)时(shí)不(bù)识(shí)月(yuè)，

呼(hū)作(zuò)白(bái)玉(yù)盘(pán)。

又(yòu)疑(yí)瑶(yáo)台(tái)镜(jìnɡ)，

飞(fēi)在(zài)青(qīnɡ)云(yún)端(duān)。

Explanation of Ancient Chinese Poetry

When I was young, I didn’t recognize the moon and called it the White Jade Disk.
I also suspected it to be a mirror from the mythical Yao Tai, floating high above the azure clouds in the night sky.

Annotations

  • 呼作: Called
  • 白玉盘: A crystal-clear white plate, used here metaphorically to describe the moon’s appearance
  • 疑: Suspected
  • 瑶台: A mythical place where immortals are believed to dwell, often depicted as extremely beautiful and serene.

Creative Background

This poem was likely composed before the An-Shi Rebellion during the late Tianbao period of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. Chen Hang commented, “It was written out of concern for the impending rebellion of An Lushan” (from “Poetic Comparisons and Inspirations”).

Xiao Shiyun said, “This poem uses the moon as a metaphor. The sun represents the emperor, while the moon represents the minister. It was written as a omen of An Lushan’s rebellion, foreshadowed by the imperial concubine.”