( 1 ) Influence of a Single Ci
In the Ci (long and short verse poems) of the Song Dynasty, the apex of achievement is in the expression of wide and deep emotions in a clear simple song. The poet Wang Yu Cheng (954-1001) 王禹偁 had left us with a single Ci only. But he was acclaimed as a very influential master, the forerunner of Xin Qi Ji 辛棄疾, a dominant Ci master who arrived a hundred years later.
王禹偁《點絳唇》 Here is Wang’s《Rouged Lips》
雨恨雲愁 Drizzles and clouds gloomy
江南依舊稱佳麗 Southern scenery remains a serene beauty
水村漁市 Villages amid paddy fields and fish markets
一縷孤煙細 Thriving in a wavy misty net
天際征鴻 On horizon migrating geese appear in team
遙認行如綴 Far their formation not easily seen
平生事 My life events
此時凝睇 To recollect in full content
誰會憑欄意 Who could appraise the consequence
The Ci’s first half paints the serene beauty of China’s southern region.
In Nature’s stable environment dwell people grateful to live with heaven’s gifts of rice and fishes.
On the second half, the poet turns to address his personal life, his wish and determination to serve the motherland. The poem ends when the poet questions, in 12 words, how and by what standard his overall deeds should be appraised.
We can now read Xin’s《水龍吟》to find the expression of a similar mood. It is a lengthy Ci. Imbedded in it are sections which post questions of self and authority, as he attempted to live a dignified life and to serve others unreservedly.
Readers will agree with me that it is quite impossible to translate Chinese poems into English, because of the extreme beauty and power of the Chinese language. Be that as it may, reading these Ci alternately in Chinese and English will
enhance our understanding of the niche in the poet’s mind. In the end, we will appreciate more deeply and intimately what the last 12 words (平生事...) convey and juxtapose it with the words used by Xin (落日樓頭... 無人會 登臨意).
Poetry appreciation is not a rushed affair. One needs to read repeatedly, to synergies with every word, and to chew the meaning of a verse against the poet’s biography and historic context. If you could do so, the reward is high.