Yes precisely. You have to not only know the characters but the history, philosophy, society, dynastic practices and a few other tidbits to really understand what they were trying to say. I studied one of Du Fu’s poems for a month before I understood the first two couplets. It’s a very immersive study!
Thank you, Dorie. Immensely enjoyable to read about "tonals," Du Fu, rhyming schemes, and more. Personally, without any scientific research to back up my claim, Mandarin, especially before the 20th century, is linguistically the finest language on the planet.
I'm so honored to have a poem that marks a major milestone for you dedicated to me! It's quite beautiful and "imminent" - you feel as if you are right in the scene as you read it. My favorite part has to be the ending, where "our robes still hold the scent." Also "Spring clouds dampen the clay pot with spring's own sound." Such good sounds and images! So pleasant and restful. Thank you so much.
This makes me want to learn enough Chinese so that I can experience the poem in this way as well. I greatly enjoyed your explanation of the inspirations and the various thoughts that are woven into it. I don't have a lot of experience with Chinese poetry, so it's enlightening to be shown what elements are at play.
I would love to have a printable version of this poem with both the Chinese and English side by side.
I love that too! Where the memory is sensory. Like when I spell cinnamon bread I’m transferred back immediately to my grandmothers kitchen and her loving hands baking cinnamon rolls for us. I love how sensory memory can give us back precious moments. Even if fleeting, the memory is nice to revisit.
This was a beautiful poem
Probably even better in Chinese
Might have to learn a new language
lol
Even just the length of each line, the busyness of the characters, the "size" of the script...
it goes to show how much of translation is interpretation.
Yes precisely. You have to not only know the characters but the history, philosophy, society, dynastic practices and a few other tidbits to really understand what they were trying to say. I studied one of Du Fu’s poems for a month before I understood the first two couplets. It’s a very immersive study!
"Birds sing, we laugh, both lost to care awhile." What a lovely scene. Lovely poem, Dorie! <3
Thank you so much Petra!
<3
The robes carrying tea-scent home~ Please don’t wash them yet, there’s still forest and clay-pot steam clinging to the sleeves somehow~
Yes exactly! Thank you Asuka.
A lovely poem. 🙏🏻
Thank you!
Thank you, Dorie. Immensely enjoyable to read about "tonals," Du Fu, rhyming schemes, and more. Personally, without any scientific research to back up my claim, Mandarin, especially before the 20th century, is linguistically the finest language on the planet.
I agree Paul 🩷
lovely poem. thank you Dorie!
Thank you for reading and being here.
I'm so honored to have a poem that marks a major milestone for you dedicated to me! It's quite beautiful and "imminent" - you feel as if you are right in the scene as you read it. My favorite part has to be the ending, where "our robes still hold the scent." Also "Spring clouds dampen the clay pot with spring's own sound." Such good sounds and images! So pleasant and restful. Thank you so much.
This makes me want to learn enough Chinese so that I can experience the poem in this way as well. I greatly enjoyed your explanation of the inspirations and the various thoughts that are woven into it. I don't have a lot of experience with Chinese poetry, so it's enlightening to be shown what elements are at play.
I would love to have a printable version of this poem with both the Chinese and English side by side.
Well done, and congratulations!
I love that too! Where the memory is sensory. Like when I spell cinnamon bread I’m transferred back immediately to my grandmothers kitchen and her loving hands baking cinnamon rolls for us. I love how sensory memory can give us back precious moments. Even if fleeting, the memory is nice to revisit.
I felt transported. Absolutely lovely!
It's so cool that this was written in two languages. That's one more than I could manage.