Floating clouds: floating clouds in the sky, here metaphorically refers to the erratic whereabouts of friends.
Source
Sending a friend
Tang Dynasty: Li Bai
Green mountains stretch across Beiguo, and white water surrounds the east city.
This place is different, and I have traveled thousands of miles alone.
The thoughts of wandering in the floating clouds, the love of old friends in the setting sun.
I waved my hand and went away, the horse roared.
Translation and Notes
Translation
Green mountains lie on the north side of the city wall, and sparkling water surrounds the east side of the city.
Here we say goodbye to each other. You are like a solitary tent fluttering in the wind, traveling thousands of miles away.
The floating clouds are as unpredictable as wanderers, and the setting sun slowly sets down the mountain, seeming to be nostalgic.
They waved and parted. The horse that his friend was riding that was about to carry him on a long journey roared loudly, as if he couldn't bear to leave.
Notes
⑴Guo: A kind of exterior wall built outside the city in ancient times.
⑵White water: clear water.
⑶1: Particles to strengthen the tone. The name is Zhuang.
⑷Farewell: Farewell.
⑸Peng: A kind of plant mentioned in ancient books. After it dries up, its roots break off and spin in the wind. It is also called "Flying Peng". The poet uses "Gu Peng" to refer to friends traveling far away.
⑹ Zheng: Traveling far.
⑺The meaning of "Wandering in the Floating Clouds": Cao Pi's "Miscellaneous Poems": "There are floating clouds in the northwest, and the pavilions are like the hood of a car. It's a pity that we don't meet each other at this time, and it's a good time to meet with the drifting wind. It blows me southeast, and I will go to Wuhui." "Later generations used it as a typical example, using the floating clouds to describe wanderers wandering in all directions. Floating clouds, floating clouds. Wanderer, a person traveling far away from home.
⑻Here are the sound words. this.
⑼Xiao Xiao: The moaning and neighing sound of a horse.
⑽Banma: A stray horse, here refers to a horse that carries people away. Class means separation; parting means "spot".