To Yang Kaihui · Tune: “Congratulations to the Groom”
– Mao Zedong, late 1923
I wave my hand and depart from here.
How can I bear to face each other in sorrow,
repeating our pain and grief?
Anger and longing seem to fill your eyes and brow;
hot tears well up but are held back.
I know there was misunderstanding over words in my last letter.
Mists and clouds roll past, gone with the flow;
in all the world, you and I are soulmates.
Humankind suffers – does heaven know?
This morning, heavy frost covers the road by the East Gate;
a half-waning moon hangs over the Hengtang pond,
so cold and desolate.
One blast of the train whistle tears my heart apart;
from now on, I journey alone to the world’s end.
I must cut these threads of sorrow and longing.
Be like Mount Kunlun collapsing its steep cliffs,
like a typhoon sweeping through heaven and earth.
Someday we’ll soar side by side again,
flying upward with the clouds.
Note
Yang Kaihui
Mao Zedong’s first wife, a revolutionary comrade and firm supporter of his cause. This poem was written when Mao Zedong left Changsha for revolutionary work in late 1923, expressing deep affection and revolutionary resolve.
Ci (Song-style lyric poetry)
A major poetic form in classical Chinese literature, matched to fixed musical tunes (cipai). “Congratulations to the Groom” is a well-known cipai with a solemn, passionate tone, often used to express strong emotions such as longing, resolve, or grief.
Farewell culture in classical Chinese poetry
Parting scenes, sorrow of separation, longing between loved ones, and vows of reunion are enduring themes in Chinese poetry, often set against natural scenes like frost, moon, rivers, and travel.
East Gate / Hengtang pond
Geographical images of Changsha, marking the actual departure place, enhancing the realism and emotional weight of the farewell.
Waning moon
A classic symbol in Chinese poetry of separation, loneliness, and desolate mood.
Train whistle
A modern image representing revolutionary mobility and the urgency of the era, breaking away from purely traditional farewell scenes.
Kunlun collapsing steep cliffs
Kunlun Mountains are a sacred symbol of grandeur and power in Chinese culture. The image expresses firm revolutionary will, fearlessness of difficulties, and determination to destroy old forces.
Typhoon sweeping heaven and earth
Symbolizes powerful, sweeping revolutionary momentum that can transform society.
Soar side by side (birds flying wing to wing)
A traditional metaphor for loving couples staying together, here extended to mean reuniting in revolutionary struggle.
贺新郎·赠杨开慧
– 毛泽东 · 一九二三年底
挥手从兹去。
更那堪凄然相向，苦情重诉。
眼角眉梢都似恨，热泪欲零还住。
知误会前番书语。
过眼滔滔云共雾，算人间知己吾和汝。
人有病，天知否？
今朝霜重东门路，
照横塘半天残月，凄清如许。
汽笛一声肠已断，从此天涯孤旅。
凭割断愁丝恨缕。
要似昆仑崩绝壁，又恰像台风扫寰宇。
重比翼，和云翥。
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