Friendship Quote by Li Po
““On Drinking Alone by Moonlight Here are flowers and here is wine, But where’s a friend with me to join Hand in hand and heart to heart In one full cup before we part? Rather than to drink alone, I’ll make bold to ask the moon To condescend to lend her face The hour and the scene to grace. Lo, she answers, and she brings My shadow on her silver wings; That makes three, and we shall be. I ween, a merry company The modest moon declines the cup, But shadow promptly takes it up, And when I dance my shadow fleet Keeps measure with my flying feet. But though the moon declines to tipple She dances in yon shining ripple, And when I sing, my festive song, The echoes of the moon prolong. Say, when shall we next meet together? Surely not in cloudy weather, For you my boon companions dear Come only when the sky is clear.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “On Drinking Alone by Moonlight,” Tang dynasty, 8th century
The poet seeks fellowship with the moon and his shadow, turning solitude into a shared, imaginative gathering.
In simple terms: Finding company in nature and imagination eases loneliness.
Key Takeaway
Create imagined companions when alone.
Themes
loneliness
creativity
nature
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- night walks
- meditation
- creative writing
- solitary work
Key Concepts
poetry
mythology
symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the moon symbolize companionship?
- What role does imagination play in coping?
A Different Perspective
Imagined friends cannot replace real human connection.
