Tang poetry is a sweet spring, while Song ci is fragrant falling flowers. Gently scooping up a handful of clear water and picking up a few petals, brewing a cup of fragrant tea, the aroma spreads everywhere.
I love to recite "At the bend of the path, the zen temple is deep among the flowers and trees" to feel the unique seclusion; I love to recite "Looking up to the sky, I laugh and walk out the door; are we mere weeds and grass?" to appreciate the boundless comfort; I love to recite "Row! Row! Startling the gulls and herons on the shore" to grasp the distinct leisure... Wander in the ocean of classical poetry, and I have realized the philosophy of life.
"Picking chrysanthemums below the east fence, I casually see the Southern Mountain." That is you, Tao Yuanming, carrying a hoe on a narrow path, humming a tune, and enjoying the pastoral scenery as you walk. I know that such a pastoral life is the paradise in your heart. You did not bend your waist for five dou of rice, nor were you willing to sink with the corrupt officials. You resolutely chose your spiritual home. Although there was no luxury or jade food, you had cattle and sheep for company; although you abandoned grand mansions, you had the tranquility and freshness of a farmhouse. Reciting your poetry, I have realized that one needs to be noble and aloof in life.
"Waterfalls straight down three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way fell from the ninth heaven." That is you, Li Bai. A pot of wine, a sword in hand, dancing and drinking boldly along the way, displaying the sword-like talent and passion of the Great Tang, and becoming a fallen immortal who shocked the poetry world! Drunk in Chang'an, hard to find by the emperor, that is your carefree spirit! "Even before the Emperor's door, a running dog is tolerated, but in Huayin County, one cannot ride a donkey," that is your unconstrained nature! A song of "Scaring the Barbarian" frightened away hundreds of thousands of elite troops from the south, that is your momentum! Throughout your life, you did not seek fame or profit, indulging in mountains and waters, achieving the character that one must be carefree in life!
"Who in life does not die? Let me leave my red heart to shine in the sweat-green." That is you, Wen Tianxiang. Calm and steady on the command platform, you skillfully mobilized hundreds of thousands of elite troops, bravely fighting on the battlefield, demonstrating a loyal and devoted heart. Although defeated in battle, you remained unyielding. For the country, you were willing to shed your blood and sacrifice your life, to be forever recorded in history, thus exclaiming, "Who in life does not die? Let me leave my red heart to shine in the sweat-green." You interpreted Sima Qian's saying, "All people must die, but some deaths are heavier than Mount Tai, others lighter than a feather," through your actions! Reciting your poetry, I have realized that one must love their country in life!
These classical poems are a precious spiritual heritage left to us by our ancestors. Reciting classical poetry, I have understood the life pursuits of the ancients and realized our philosophy of life. May these classical poems become a bright lamp, forever illuminating my path ahead!
