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Ask Liu Shijiu
Author: Bai Juyi
Poem Title: Ask Liu Shijiu
Content of the Poem:
Green Ant New Brew Wine,
Red clay small stove.
Late evening, snow is expected,
Can you drink a cup?
Explanation of the Poem:
This poem was written by Bai Juyi, a poet from the Tang Dynasty. It depicts a warm scene where the poet invites his friend Liu Shijiu to share a drink on a winter evening.
"Green Ant New Brew Wine": Here, "green ant" refers to the green foam that floats on top of freshly brewed rice wine, while "new brew" signifies the freshness and purity of the wine.
"Red clay small stove": "Red clay" indicates that the stove is made of red clay, and "small stove" refers to the warm and cozy fire, creating a comforting atmosphere.
"Late evening, snow is expected": "Late evening" refers to dusk, while "snow is expected" suggests that the sky is overcast, indicating an impending snowfall, adding a sense of anticipation and tranquility.
"Can you drink a cup?": In the final line, the poet directly invites his friend Liu Shijiu, asking if he would like to stay and share a drink. This reflects the poet's appreciation for friendship and his desire to enjoy good times together.
The entire poem conveys the poet's value of friendship and enjoyment of simple pleasures in life through the depiction of a warm winter evening and an invitation to a friend. The language is accessible, and the emotions are sincere, providing warmth and familiarity.
Story: A Snowy Night Invitation
On a cold winter day, in a quiet courtyard outside Luoyang City.
As dusk falls, a gentle breeze disperses the thin mist. Pear blossoms fill the trees by the pond, reflecting in the spring water below.
In the yard, there is a small pond surrounded by several drooping willows and a pear tree. Nearby, there are low green hills, at the foot of which stand a few small houses. Inside one of the houses, there is a low table with a bronze wine pot, two wine cups, and two plates of exquisite snacks arranged on it.
A man dressed in a blue robe sits at the table, using a bronze spoon to ignite a piece of white charcoal, placing it in a small stove to warm a pot of wine. Outside, the cold wind howls and heavy snow falls; inside, however, it is warm and filled with a faint aroma of wine.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps approach. “Yuan Bai!” A person lifts the curtain and walks in with a beaming smile. “Nineteen.” Bai Juyi feels very happy to see his friend Liu Shijiu enter. Liu Shijiu's full name is Yuxi, and "Nineteen" is his rank among siblings. He and Bai Juyi were born in the same year and have known each other for over thirty years. Although both have their own official duties, they have maintained a deep friendship.
Bai Juyi once described their relationship: “I remember when we parted in spring, you were still young. Now I come and you are old.” (From "Parting from an Old Friend After a Long Time").
“It’s snowing so heavily; it’s impressive that you still remember me,” Bai Juyi says with a smile to Liu Shijiu.
“Did you forget? We swore an oath!” Liu Shijiu laughs heartily, extending his right hand into a fist and lightly clenching it inward. Bai Juyi also extends his fist and gently taps Liu Shijiu's fist. This is their unique ritual. Whenever they meet to drink together, they tap fists as a sign of cherishing their friendship.
Bai Juyi picks up the wine pot and pours a cup for Liu Shijiu. The wine is clear and transparent, exuding a rich fragrance. “Good wine!” Liu Shijiu raises his cup and drinks it all in one go. “Brother Yuan Bai’s poetry has become even more refined.” Bai Juyi smiles without speaking. He has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, starting to learn poetry and literature at the age of five.
By the age of twelve, I was already able to write excellent poetry. Now, having passed my thirties, my accomplishments in poetry and prose have naturally surpassed those of my earlier years.
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