At Parting

— Wang Wei

Dismounted, I drink with you

And ask what you’ve in view.

“I can’t do what I will;

So I’ll do what I will;

I’ll ask you no more, friend,

Let clouds drift without end!”

Note

Wang Wei (699–761 CE) was one of the most revered poets, painters, and musicians of China’s High Tang Dynasty. A master of landscape poetry and a devout Chan (Zen) Buddhist, he is often called the “Poet Buddha” for his ability to blend serene natural imagery with spiritual depth and quiet introspection. His works emphasize stillness, detachment, and harmony with nature.

His short poem “Farewell” (Song Bie) captures a moment of quiet parting with profound simplicity. The speaker dismounts from his horse to share a cup of wine with a friend and asks, “Where are you going?” The friend replies that, disillusioned by worldly failure, he plans to retreat to the southern mountains to live in seclusion. 

The poet responds not with sorrow or persuasion, but with gentle acceptance: “Go, then – ask no more. / The white clouds stretch on forever.”

This closing image – endless drifting clouds – symbolizes freedom, purity, and the timeless peace of nature. Rather than mourning the departure, Wang Wei celebrates his friend’s return to inner tranquility, reflecting Chan Buddhist ideals of non-attachment and the futility of worldly striving.

送别
–王维

下马饮君酒，

问君何所之。

君言不得意，

归卧南山陲。

但去莫复问，

白云无尽时。