“No sages of old before my eyes, no travelers of the future to rise. I contemplate the endless vastness of time, and tears fall, sad and blind.”
These haunting lines by Tang Dynasty poet Chen Zi’ang invite readers to step into a timeless contemplation of existence. Written over a millennium ago, the “Song of the Youzhou Terrace” captures a profound sense of solitude and reflection that remains strikingly relevant today.
Standing atop the ancient Youzhou Terrace, Chen gazes into the boundless expanse, feeling both the weight of history and the uncertainty of the future. His words evoke the vastness of the universe and the fleeting nature of human life—themes that resonate with young people grappling with their place in the world.
In an age where technology connects us across distances but often leaves us feeling isolated, Chen Zi’ang’s poignant reflections offer a bridge between the past and the present. His poetry encourages us to pause and consider the bigger picture, reminding us that while time moves on, the human experience remains a constant thread through generations.
As we navigate our own journeys, Chen’s call to introspection invites us to find meaning in the moments that define us and to acknowledge the shared emotions that link us to those who came before.
