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Li Bai’s “Taking Leave of a Friend”
- One speaker
- Arts & culture
Today’s poem–a masterclass in subtlety and imagery–makes you feel the scale of the farewell before it arrives. Happy reading. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe
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B2 · Upper-intermediate
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- 91% of the words are B1 or easier.
- 126 words a minute: slow, clear speech.
- 13 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.
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and today is Monday, October 5th, 2026. Today's poem is by Chinese poet Li Bai,
, , .
was popularized among 20th century English readers through the translations of his work
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Is this episode right for you?
B2 · Upper-intermediate
Comfortable if you already follow TV news
- 91% of the words are B1 or easier.
- 126 words a minute: slow, clear speech.
- 13 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.
Transcript
The opening of the episode. The whole transcript is in the player.
harder words (B2+)
Welcome back to The Daily Poem, a podcast from Goldberry Studios. I'm Sean Johnson, and today is Monday, October 5th, 2026. Today's poem is by Chinese poet Li Bai, also known as Li Po, or in the West by the Japanese rendering of his name, Rehaku. He was popularized among 20th century English readers through the translations of his work
by Ezra Pound, including today's poem, which is called Taking Leave of a Friend. I'll read it once, offer a few comments, and read it one more time. Taking Leave of a Friend Blue mountains to the north of the walls, White river winding about them. Here we must make
separation and go out through a thousand miles of dead grass. Mind like a floating wide cloud, sunset like the parting of old acquaintances who bow over their clasped hands at a distance. Our horses neigh to each other as we are departing."
That was the opening. The rest of the episode (3 min) is in the player: every word clickable, with translation, saved words and flashcards.
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