Tang poetry is a sweet spring, and Song lyrics are fragrant fallen petals. To scoop a handful of clear spring water and pick up a few petals to brew a cup of fragrant tea is to experience an overflowing aroma.
I love reciting "The path leads to a secluded place, where flowers and trees grow deep in the Zen room" to feel a unique tranquility; I love reciting "Looking up to the sky, I laugh as I go out; how could we be mere weeds?" to comprehend a sense of carefree ease; and I love reciting "Struggling to cross, struggling to cross, startling a flock of gulls" to realize a unique leisure. Wandering in the ocean of classical poetry, I have realized the philosophies of life.
"Plucking chrysanthemums by the eastern slope, I catch a glimpse of the Southern Mountain"—this is Tao Yuanming, carrying a hoe on a winding path, humming a tune while enjoying the pastoral scenery. I know that such a rural life is the heaven in his heart. He refused to bow for five pecks of rice and would not compromise with officialdom, resolutely choosing his own spiritual home. Although he lacked fine food and silk, he had cattle and sheep for company; although he abandoned luxurious mansions, he possessed the tranquility and freshness of a farmhouse cottage. Reciting his poems, I realized that one must maintain integrity and loftiness in life.
"Flying from a height of three thousand feet, it seems as if the Milky Way is falling from the ninth heaven"—this is Li Bai. With a jar of wine and a sword, he danced and drank along his journey, dancing out the courage and talent of the Tang Dynasty and drinking to become the "Banished Immortal" who shocked the poetic world! To be drunk in Chang'an, making even the Emperor hard to find—this is his free spirit! "Even before the Emperor's gate, dogs are tolerated; but in Huayin County, even a donkey cannot be ridden"—this is his unbridled nature! A single song, "Xia Man Shu," startled tens of thousands of Southern Barbarian troops—this is his mettle! He spent his life unconcerned with fame or fortune, indulging in mountains and waters, achieving the necessary freedom of character.
"Since ancient times, who can escape death? Leave behind a loyal heart to shine in the annals of history"—this is Wen Tianxiang. On the command platform, he was calm and composed, skillfully deploying troops; on the battlefield, he fought bravely, demonstrating absolute loyalty. Though defeated, he refused to yield, willing to shed his blood for his country to be forever recorded in history. He interpreted Sima Qian's words through his actions: "Every man must die, but some deaths are as light as a feather, while others are as heavy as Mount Tai." Reciting his poetry, I realized that one must be patriotic.
These classical poems are the precious spiritual wealth left to us by our ancestors. By reciting them, I understand the pursuits of the ancients and realize the philosophies of life. May these classical poems serve as a guiding light, forever illuminating the path ahead of me.
