'Ballad of the Old Cypress' by Tu Fu
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In front of the temple of Chu-ko Liang there is an old cypress. Its branches
are like green bronze; its roots like rocks; around its great girth of forty
spans its rimy bark withstands the washing of the rain. Its jet-colored top
rises two thousand feet to greet the sky. Prince and statesman have long since
paid their debt to time; but the tree continues to be cherished among men. When
the clouds come, continuous vapors link it with the mists of the long Wu
Gorge; and when the moon appears, the cypress tree shares the chill of the
Snowy Mountains' whiteness.
I remember a year or so ago, where the road wound east round my Brocade
River pavilion, the First Ruler and Chu-ko Liang shared the same shrine. There,
too, were towering cypresses, on the ancient plain outside the city. The paint-
work of the temple's dark interior gleamed dully through derelict doors and
windows. But this cypress here, though it holds its ground well, clinging with
wide-encompassing, snake-like hold, yet, because of its lonely height rising
into the gloom of the sky, meets much of the wind's fierce blast. Nothing but
the power of Divine Providence could have kept it standing for so long; its
straightness must be the work of the Creator himself! If a great hall had
collapsed and beams for it were needed, ten thousand oxen might turn their
heads inquiringly to look at such a mountain of a load. But it is already
marvel enough to astonish the world, without any need to undergo a craftsman's
embellishing. It has never refused the axe: there is simply no one who could
carry it away if it were felled. Its bitter heart has not escaped the ants; but
there are always phoenixes roosting in its scented leaves. Men of ambition, and
you who dwell unseen, do not cry out in despair! From of old the really great
has never been found a use for.
Tu Fu (tr. Hawkes)
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Ballad of the Old Cypress: A Masterpiece of Chinese Poetry
The Ballad of the Old Cypress written by Tu Fu is a remarkable piece of Chinese poetry that has stood the test of time for over a millennium. This ballad is among the most celebrated poems of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a period when Chinese poetry was at its peak. Tu Fu (712-770), one of the greatest poets of this period, was known for his ability to capture the essence of life in his verses. The Ballad of the Old Cypress is one such example of his poetic brilliance.
The Form of the Poem
The Ballad of the Old Cypress is a long narrative poem that tells the story of an old cypress tree that has withstood the test of time. The poem is divided into six sections, each with a different tone and focus. The first section is an introduction to the old cypress and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The second section describes the tree in detail, highlighting its grandeur and beauty. The third section is a lament for the tree's fate, as it is now surrounded by human development. The fourth section is a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The fifth section is a call to action, urging readers to appreciate the beauty of nature before it is too late. The final section is a farewell to the old cypress, as the poet bids it goodbye.
The Themes of the Poem
The Ballad of the Old Cypress is a poem that deals with several themes, including the transience of life, the beauty of nature, human development, and the inevitability of death. These themes are interwoven throughout the poem, creating a complex and nuanced portrayal of the world in which we live.
Transience of Life
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the transience of life. The old cypress tree is a symbol of this theme, as it has stood the test of time but is now facing its own mortality. The poet reflects on the fleeting nature of life in several sections of the poem, reminding the reader that everything is temporary and that we must appreciate the beauty of life while we can.
Beauty of Nature
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the beauty of nature. The old cypress tree is described in great detail, highlighting its grandeur and majesty. The poet urges readers to appreciate the beauty of nature before it is too late, as human development threatens to destroy the natural world. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where environmental destruction is a pressing concern.
Human Development
The poem also deals with the theme of human development and its impact on the natural world. The old cypress tree is now surrounded by human structures, a testament to the encroachment of civilization on nature. The poet laments this development, reminding readers of the importance of preserving the natural world.
Inevitability of Death
Finally, the poem explores the theme of death and its inevitability. The old cypress tree is facing its own mortality, a reminder that everything must come to an end. The poet reflects on this theme in several sections of the poem, urging readers to live life to the fullest before it is too late.
The Poetic Techniques
Tu Fu employs several poetic techniques in The Ballad of the Old Cypress, creating a rich and evocative portrayal of the natural world. Some of the most notable techniques include:
Imagery
The poem is filled with vivid imagery that brings the natural world to life. The old cypress tree is described in intricate detail, highlighting its majesty and grandeur. The poet also uses imagery to create a sense of contrast between the natural world and the encroaching human structures.
Personification
The old cypress tree is personified throughout the poem, giving it a sense of life and personality. The poet uses this technique to create a sense of empathy for the tree, making its fate all the more poignant.
Symbolism
The old cypress tree is a symbol of several themes in the poem, including the transience of life and the beauty of nature. The poet uses this symbol to convey a deeper message about the world in which we live.
Repetition
The poem employs repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. Certain phrases are repeated throughout the poem, giving it a sense of unity and cohesion.
Conclusion
The Ballad of the Old Cypress is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry, a testament to Tu Fu's poetic brilliance. Through vivid imagery, personification, and symbolism, Tu Fu creates a rich and evocative portrayal of the natural world. The themes of the poem are timeless and universal, reminding readers of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of preserving the beauty of nature. The Ballad of the Old Cypress is a reminder of the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and to convey a deeper message about the world in which we live.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Ballad of the Old Cypress is a classic poem written by the renowned Chinese poet, Tu Fu. This masterpiece is a perfect example of Tu Fu's poetic genius and his ability to capture the essence of nature in his works. The poem is a beautiful and vivid description of an old cypress tree that has stood the test of time and witnessed the changes in the world around it. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with a description of the old cypress tree, which is said to be over a thousand years old. The tree is described as being tall and majestic, with branches that reach up to the sky. The imagery used in this description is powerful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the tree in the reader's mind. The use of the word "majestic" is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of awe and reverence for the tree.
As the poem continues, Tu Fu describes how the old cypress has witnessed the passing of time and the changes in the world around it. The tree has seen emperors rise and fall, wars come and go, and the seasons change year after year. This theme of the passage of time is a common one in Tu Fu's poetry, and it is particularly poignant in this poem. The old cypress tree serves as a symbol of the enduring nature of the natural world, which continues on despite the fleeting nature of human existence.
The poem also contains a strong sense of nostalgia, as Tu Fu reflects on the past and the way things used to be. He describes how the old cypress tree was once surrounded by a forest, but now stands alone in a field. This sense of loss and longing for the past is a common theme in Chinese poetry, and it is particularly effective in this poem. The image of the lone cypress tree standing in a field is a powerful one, evoking a sense of isolation and loneliness.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The old cypress tree has weathered countless storms and endured the passing of time, yet it still stands tall and proud. This resilience is a symbol of the strength and endurance of the natural world, which continues on despite the challenges it faces.
The imagery used in the poem is also worth noting. Tu Fu uses a variety of sensory details to bring the old cypress tree to life in the reader's mind. He describes the texture of the tree's bark, the sound of the wind rustling through its branches, and the scent of the pine needles that cover the ground beneath it. These details help to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, allowing them to feel as though they are standing beneath the tree themselves.
In addition to its themes and imagery, the Poetry Ballad of the Old Cypress is also notable for its use of symbolism. The old cypress tree serves as a symbol of the enduring nature of the natural world, as well as a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. The passing of time is symbolized by the changing seasons and the rise and fall of empires. The loss of the forest that once surrounded the tree is a symbol of the destruction of the natural world at the hands of humans.
Overall, the Poetry Ballad of the Old Cypress is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry. Tu Fu's use of vivid imagery, powerful themes, and effective symbolism all come together to create a work that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The poem serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of the natural world, as well as a call to action to protect and preserve it for future generations.
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