The first half of the sentence of "Sitting up in shock" is: dying of illness.
Original poem:
The lamps are broken and there are no flames or shadows. This evening I heard that you were banished to Jiujiang.
I sat up in shock while dying of illness, the dark wind blew rain into the cold window.
Translation:
The lights are about to go out and a dim shadow is swaying. Tonight, I suddenly heard that you were relegated to Jiujiang. I was so sick that I suddenly sat up from the bed. The wind and rain in the dark night blew through the window, making me feel extremely cold.
Source: "Wen Letian Granted the Sima of Jiangzhou" by Yuan Zhen of the Tang Dynasty
Poetry Appreciation
This poem was written after the author learned that Bai Juyi was demoted. This poem uses scenery to set off feelings, uses scenery to describe feelings, and has a lyrical narrative to express the author's deep feelings for Bai Juyi.
The first sentence describes the gloomy background in which he lives, setting off the desolation and pain of the author who was demoted and was ill; the second sentence points out the meaning of the title; the third sentence writes about when he heard that Bai Juyi was killed. The scene at the time of the derogatory news expresses many meanings; in the last sentence, the desolate scenery and desolate mood are blended into one, and the mood is sad. The whole poem expresses the author's extreme shock and sadness after learning that his friend was demoted.