Poetic Life

 　　Part 1: A Poetic Life

　　In the afternoon, I took my son to his Trinity College London oral English class at Yangren Street. There's a KFC right below the school. I carried Yu Dan's "Revisiting the Most Beautiful Ancient Poems" with me as I entered the restaurant to wait for my son to finish his class. I found a corner by the window, ordered a coffee, and quietly sat down. Outside, the traffic was bustling, and inside, the noise of people filled the air, but all of this seemed irrelevant to me. I opened the book, and Yu Dan's poetic beauty washed over me, filling my heart and soul, immersing me completely in its poetic imagery.

　　From a young age, we grew up reciting Tang poems. From Li Bai's "The bright moonlight before my bed" to Meng Haoran's "Spring slumber unaware of dawn," we didn't understand the meaning of the poems back then; we just mechanically recited them. But our innocent childish voices delighted our parents, earning us many treats and toys in return. For these small rewards, we memorized even more diligently. The rising and falling of our childish voices accompanied us through elementary school, middle school, high school, and into society.

　　Now, past middle age, having weathered life's storms and witnessed the harsh realities of society, our adult hearts have become unusually fragile, easily broken. The innocence of the past has been distorted beyond recognition, and troubles come one after another. Yet, for the sake of food, clothing, shelter, and the necessities of life, we are forced to struggle and endure in this world. But when we distance ourselves from the hustle and bustle of the city, abandoning the pursuit of worldly fame and fortune, and calmly examine our inner selves, we discover that the poetry within us still flourishes like springtime. Li Shangyin's "The silkworm spins silk until death, the candle burns until it's ash," provides us with an emotional outlet; Tao Yuanming's "Picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, I leisurely gaze at the Southern Mountains," allows us to experience another realm of life; Li Yu's "How much sorrow can one have? It's like a river of spring water flowing eastward," gives us a place to release our worries, instantly brightening our hearts.

　　Now, gazing at the vast autumn sky outside the window, watching the gradually thinning branches, the bitterness of coffee still lingering on my lips, I savor the rich and varied poetic realms of Yu Dan as she traverses the ages. My heart is filled with tranquility, composure, and serenity.

　　Part Two: A Poetic Life, Like a Scene, Like a Painting

　　Having experienced the vicissitudes of life and the trials of the journey, a calm mind reveals that life is like a scene, poetic and picturesque.

　　In late autumn, with the approach of the Cold Dew, the cool autumn wind carries the morning dew, lingering with the fragrance of withered grass, and tapping on the doors and windows of the village. Looking out the car window, the modern countryside has lost its thatched cottages and the rustic charm of rising smoke. In its place stand garden houses and villas in the countryside. The morning sun shines brightly, spreading across the land. In October, the morning mist hangs heavy, and the soft sunlight filters through, like flowing white gauze, spreading and lingering among the trees. Raindrops fall gracefully from banana leaves, and willows along the canal swirl with their leaves. In the fields, people harvesting and planting, their faces beaming with smiles. This scene is like a poem, a watercolor painting rendered in the morning light.

　　I love the early mornings, enjoying the scenery on my way to work, driving and listening to music. Starting the day so pleasantly and brightly brings a unique sense of peace. Even though I drive the same route every day, I never realized I could appreciate such beauty. I can't help but recall something my husband once said: "Everyone's life is not lacking in beauty, but rather in our ability to discover it." Indeed, this applies to people and things alike. By paying attention to the details, we can discover the goodness in humanity and the unique charm of the landscape.

　　During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, many joyous occasions abound. Driving along the road, I frequently encountered wedding processions, adorned with flowers and decorations, radiating happiness. The beautiful women and scenery evoked deep emotions. It's heartwarming to see a beautiful young woman entering the halls of matrimony, becoming a wife and mother. For a woman, marriage is like a gamble; whether she wins or loses, whether it brings fortune or misfortune, she will only know after experiencing it. Just like wearing clothes, only after wearing them will she know whether they are warm or cold. Since ancient times, people have yearned for the eternal love of mutual support, sharing both joy and sorrow. But in today's materialistic world, with its fickle nature, how many can truly see clearly and find a peaceful place to be themselves?

　　Fortunately, I made the only truly important choice in my life: choosing my dearest and most beloved person from among the vast sea of ​​people. He is a guiding light in my darkness, illuminating my path. He is a source of energy when my thoughts are lacking, and a treasure trove of knowledge when I am bored. As the ancients said, "The sound of flowing water nourishes the ear, and reading and contemplating principles nourishes the heart." He is a wonderful book for my tender heart and serene life, tranquil, profound, elegant, and full of meaning, worthy of my lifelong treasuring.

　　In the vast sea of ​​life, time flies by. Living is like driving a car on an unfamiliar, winding road, unable to predict the next turn. The only thing I can do is to hold the steering wheel well, control the accelerator and brakes, and deal with unforeseen needs. Walking through life, unknowingly, we encounter many crossroads, and the extensions of each crossroad are not necessarily the same, nor are the scenery all the same. Do we choose to be a race car driver, experiencing the thrill of high speed, or choose to drive slowly and appreciate the scenery along the way? Different attitudes towards life determine different lives.

　　Looking back, how many people can still endure the detours and hardships of the past? Back then, I firmly believed in the saying: youth is the greatest asset, so I dared to think and act, working day and night. But repeated failures wounded my indomitable spirit. The hardships and setbacks of starting a business forced me to trudge along, plunging me into a deep abyss of both material and spiritual despair. During my lowest point, my beloved remained steadfastly by my side, offering unwavering support and encouragement: "You just made a mistake at a crossroads in your life; everything can start over." I remember Li Na, Asia's first Grand Slam tennis champion, saying, "Life's trials and tribulations are tests and tempering for me; they only make me stronger." Faced with hardship, I chose resilience. After experiencing the ups and downs of life, there was bitterness, but also a bittersweet joy. This experience helped me understand the true meaning of love, allowing me to feel happiness guiding me forward.

　　Speaking of happiness, I recall a segment on CCTV's news program last night: What is happiness? Different people gave different answers. Some believed that wealth equated to happiness. Some felt happiness in taking their elderly fathers to tour the beautiful landscapes of their country. Some elderly people felt happiness in their children's frequent visits. One elderly person, caring for their bedridden, chronically ill spouse, felt happiness simply in her survival. One of the car mechanics remarked with deep feeling, "Some people drive BMWs and eat gourmet food, yet they're not necessarily happy, while his son is married, has a house, a car, and a job, and he's very happy... Actually, the understanding of happiness is subjective; there's no fixed definition. But I think the greatest happiness is coming home and having a happy meal together with my family."

　　I remember reading a sentence in a newspaper: "In people's minds, there are two ways of looking at the world: one is appreciative, and the other is critical. A person who only looks at the world with a critical eye will never be happy, no matter what, even if they hold a golden key carved with happiness in their hands." I think this is insightful. Yes, happiness can be very simple; it depends on your attitude and perspective. Looking at others with appreciation, even their flaws can become virtues. Caring for others with tolerance and understanding will reveal another beautiful scene, so heartwarming and touching.

　　In the bustling sea of ​​people, we rush by every day, encountering countless individuals of all kinds. No one knows what kind of person they'll meet, what their past experiences will be like—as mysterious and unknown as the online community. But hidden behind these guesses lies a side of human nature you cannot ignore: the inherent goodness of humanity. Lao Tzu's concept of "the highest good is like water" encapsulates the highest level of cultivation in "goodness." He believed that the most cultivated person is like water, benefiting all things without contention, dwelling in places others disdain, residing in good places, with a heart as deep as a pool. Their interactions are always inclined towards benevolence, their words are guided by their true intentions, they are at peace with the world, and navigate life with ease. I believe that "goodness" is the foundation of humanity. Although we may not achieve the greatest good, as human beings, only by being kind to our parents and relatives can we treat our friends with the same magnanimity. Friends will then treat you kindly in return.

　　Good friends are like an elegant landscape; being surrounded by them, a righteous spirit enhances one's personal charm, cleanses the dust from the soul, and blossoms like a snow lotus from the Tianshan Mountains, bringing people beautiful aspirations. Just like when I drive to work every day, the gentle sunlight always shines through the car window onto my face and body, and boundless warmth surrounds me, infects me, and cultivates my character.

　　Life inevitably has its share of disappointments. Face each day with understanding and tolerance, create beauty, discover beauty, accept what you cannot have, cherish what you already possess, learn to be profoundly selfless, and find peace in whatever comes your way. Hand in hand with the one you love, grasp the key to love, open the door to happiness, hold hands, grow old together, and walk through a rich and fulfilling life.

　　Part Three: A Poetic Life

　　Now, I no longer seek the samples of the first half of my life. I set aside those repeatedly lamented, curled pages, and rewrite a new chapter of my life.

　　The journey of life is too long, and people are always in a hurry. We have walked through the fleeting years, weathered the vicissitudes of time; experienced the baptism of the four seasons; endured the joys and sorrows of emotions; how much loss and lamentation, how many ups and downs? Striving, pursuing, dreaming, yearning, busy all our lives, we find that no matter what we gain, in the end, we cannot escape falling into the dust! And what one's heart endures, what one bears, is the song of a soul weeping blood.

　　Years flow by, time turns. Thousands of miles have been traversed, countless springs have been admired, yet life is too fleeting, the steps too heavy. An unhappy heart remains empty-handed, utterly weary. Past nightmares, the unawakened today, the unknown tomorrow—all are ultimately no match for the encroachment of vanity, the urging of desire. Looking back, everything has changed, things are no longer the same, and the bitterness remains in the heart.

　　The meaning of life should be the richness of the heart, the tranquility of the soul. Let the years flow peacefully, find a secluded spot in Bangkok, lie on a lush green lawn, recite a poem, watch a flower bloom, admire a cloud drift. Accept the gentle kiss of the breeze, savor the fragrance of a hundred flowers, lightly scoop up the glistening dew; let the soul roam freely, let thoughts soar, let imaginations run wild, not caring about the end of the song, no longer entrusting letters. Let sleepless memories freeze at the tip of my pen, cellared in the green tomb of words, and bury sorrow in the well of oblivion. Give your soul more time for ease and freedom.

　　"Alone I drift in a small boat amidst boundless scenery, the waves reaching the autumn of Dongting Lake to the west." The life I pursue has few desires, no deceitful flattery; no need for excessive luxury. I only yearn for spiritual fulfillment, a clear soul, a book, a cup of tea, leisurely watching the flowers bloom and fade in the courtyard, unmoved by favor or disgrace. I will weave my tranquil and leisurely life into the notes of life, recording the journey through mountains and rivers, painting a poetic and romantic life. When I sit in a wheelchair, I will take it out to savor it, smile, and let it bask in the sunlight...

　　I will embrace a ray of sunshine, in the boundless sky, listen to the wind and water, and watch the tides rise and fall. In the distance, verdant mountains rise like ink paintings, streams murmur, a gentle breeze and fine rain fall, leaves flutter and dance freely, drifting and swaying. Time flows slowly, its warmth undiminished, the moonlight soft and gentle. The heart's longing is filled with a comfortable and contented mood, creating a scene of poetic beauty.

　　Gazing at the horizon, a faint halo of light evokes a sense of peace and tranquility. How beautiful! Or perhaps, one could walk quietly along the path, casually observing the open fields, the mountainsides ablaze with red leaves, bending down to inhale the scent of the earth, plucking a blade of grass, and savoring its tender, unripe flavor. When tired, one

　　could sit by the edge of a field, watching the sunset, the lingering, graceful silhouette of the setting sun with a cloud, inspiring flights of fancy and poetic thoughts. Occasionally, a butterfly might flutter by, its delicate tail feathers visible. A gentle breeze lifts her skirt, her hair dances, and she lightly brushes her cheek. Closing her eyes in contemplation, she hears the voice that once ferryed her across the mortal world, mingled with ethereal melodies, drifting into her ears, so distant and serene. At this moment, she no longer feels that each day, with its vast expanse of time, is empty and lonely; she realizes that life's end and beginning are both at the same point; she is cleansed by the rhythms of nature, awakening her lost heart.

　　Those memories, settled by time, have long since transformed into stories in poetry and prose, becoming distant recollections. She journeys, turbulent, towards the ferry of reincarnation, anchored at an ancient post station. She only wishes for peaceful years.

　　Perhaps, many years later, in a secluded valley, there will be a solitary grave, surrounded by flowers and wild grass. Birds will circle and sing in the air… And perhaps, someone will stand before the grave, shedding a few tears, burning a written contract—

　　Part Four: Desiring a dreamlike beauty, to share a poetic life!

　　The splendor of the past fades like flowing water. The misty waves reflect your tearful, dreamlike eyes. A strand of hair brushes past your fingers, the faint scent of ink lingering between them. They say beauty is like a dream, and I wish to boldly recount a dreamlike past with you. I yearn to find a dreamlike beauty, to wander the world with you.

　　I carry only a brush, a brushstroke of ink, freely roaming with light and dark strokes.

　　I wish to find one true love, to grow old together, never to be parted. I hope to meet a dreamlike, poetic "her" in the unknown Tang Dynasty.

　　If there truly is such a person, then our first dream is to travel together to France, to the home of lavender, seeking tranquility, experiencing the exotic charm, and painting a picture of Provence imbued with ancient Chinese beauty.

　　If there truly is such a person, then our second dream is to walk together in the unknown wilderness, supporting each other, even as we shed tears of strength, wandering and lost. With you by my side, we'll share wine and poetry, experiencing the warmth and coldness of human relationships, tasting the bittersweetness of life.

　　If there truly is someone like her, then my third dream with you is to jog hand in hand across a vast field in the February breeze, flying our homemade kites, a ray of sunlight brushing across your smiling face—another scene of poetic beauty.

　　If there truly is someone like her, then my fourth dream with you is to gaze at your face by candlelight, an indescribable warmth welling up

　　within me. A nameless emotion surges from the depths of my soul. If there truly is someone like her, then my fifth dream with you is on a stormy night, the fine rain tapping against the windowpane. A mournful melody rises from inside, echoing the rain outside, and we share the sorrow within that atmosphere, our faces etched with grief, our eyes filled with tears.

　　If there truly is such a woman, then my sixth dream with you would be to be forever by your side, writing of the vicissitudes of life amidst ancient charm and classical poetry, supporting each other until our hair turns white, reminiscing about our poetic past, watching our children and grandchildren play, gazing tenderly into each other's eyes, their luster faded by time. Until the end of our lives, we would smile at each other again, make a promise, and vow to meet again in the next life.

　　Where, then, can I find such a graceful and beautiful woman to share with me the critique of the world's harsh realities and the fleeting nature of life?

　　Fantasy, it's all just fantasy, perhaps this is just a longing for the future!