Other people

A poem written based off of someone else's idea

Grand desire, flying high over several seas,
Like flowing water, years of life one grieves.
Set goals missed, no reward, years counted past,
Bird chirps over and over, reminder of reprise.


Double Leaf Resort

Down among a hundred flowers, there is an alkaline spring,
A place of quiet stillness, dotted with a few houses.
Ten-thousand lowly earthen vessels all washed clean,
Clothed in Japanese, sitting around, by the side of a clear stream. 

My first Sunday in Taiwan, I went to Beitou with my boss, Yen Jingbuo. We went to a special hot spring that was heated by calcium, not the usual sulfur which has a foul smell. It was on top of a mountain, by a stream. Afterwards, we were dressed in Japanese clothing, which is very comfortable and non-constricting, and relaxed in the lounge that had a scenic view and the sound of trickling water. In the room hung a wall of sayings, one of which said, "Deep down among hundreds of kinds of flowers."

- My grandfather's boss later became president of Taiwan.
- Most likely, my mom thinks, this was not a place just anyone could go. Since Japanese people built spas in still quiet places, away from the hubbub of the city, they also valued hot springs and baths.

Death by virtue

Day breaks sing aloud to proclaim it's morning:

Wake up every kind of men in the world.

Diligently tilling studying hard crazy zealous ones:

Count on vast wealth to save ten-thousand people.

At rooster call, rise to dance, as the ancients say.

Brave one - successful, accomplished, special and outstanding.

Quyuan did not take Yufu's advice.

To whom will you tell your hidden sorrow?

Writing poetry expresses your pent up emotions. Also, you can play with the words. I'm getting old; inspiration has diminished a lot. Once in a while I'll write down some of my feelings. Don't despise my poor badly written poems so much that you don't look. I hope that you'll still edit them and give me some comments. I had the good fortune to meet you, even though in my later years. I'm writing about roosters since we are both roosters. I wrote two poems and ask you to review both. 

Yufu - a fisherman Quyuan met who told him wise persons usually do not strictly observe rules. You should follow the trend of the world. Everyone else is drunk and corrupt. Why should you be the only one upholding virtues? Because you are virtuous, the people sent you into exile.

[New chapter: Tai Pong (Islands of Taiwan and Ponghu)]

Flight to Taiwan

Dark clouds swept clear, blue skies open.

Slip of paper transmits surprising news of victory, 

I, also, am to ambassador the recovery of an ocean territory, 

Riding the wind directly to this nearly mythical island.

Defending war of eight years, finally victory came. Almost immediately after, I received a telegram from Governor Cen, demanding me to go to Taiwan directly. The government arranged a US military plane to take me from Shanghai to Taiwan. I wrote this poem on the plane after take off; it was a sunny day. Looking down from the plane I saw the clouds and the ocean. Not long into the flight, I saw the islands of Taiwan and Ponghu. 

1931 Japan invades Manchuria

1937 July 7 Japan invades Beijing - 1945

A year later, my grandma, mother, and her brothers took a military plane to Taiwan too. She remembers being dizzy and uncomfortable the entire flight. The seating was towards the center of the plane: her elder brother next to her mom next to her, with her younger brother, who cried the whole trip, lying across the three of them. She also remembers running with excitement to see Chinese planes in the sky.

Governer Cen was sad character in struggle between the Nationalists and Communists. My grandfather liked this man. 2 2 8 (Feb 28) Mainland / Taiwan conflict. To please the Taiwanese Cheng kai shek said he was a communist spy and Cen was executed. 

One of mom's classmates' fathers was killed in 2 2 8. She held a grudge against the Nationalists. Some years ago at a high school reunion, she met her husband who was from a Christian family and talked about forgiveness. She wrote an email that she wasn't bitter against the Nationalists anymore. 

Increased learning

Reply to Mr. Kong

With surprise and gratitude, received a poem from upperclassman
For a long time lacked interest [in poetry], then opened your letter. 
Before poetry club becomes a distant memory
Today's brick will draw out others' jade.
I submit to you three or five old written poems
And respectfully request your edits and corrections for my edification.
In the future, one of these days, if I write a new poem
I'll ask for more refining and polishing.

- we assume he's a friend from the Chicago poetry club
- There's a Chinese saying that first a brick is set forth, and it draws out the jade. It's impolite to say your own poem is good. So you say of your own writing, oh, it's just the brick first tossed out that drew forth jade. You show respect and deference by asking other writers to give comments and suggestions. 
- the word for upper in upperclassman is the same as edification (increased learning)
- Jade needs refining and shaping


SS Conte Verde

Sound of drums
Take a stroll
Came to look at the river's scenery
Across river middle
In pagoda shadow
A huge ship, tons of metal walls
Jade carved many levels
Gold cast ship decks
Waves rock the boat like silver snow
A palace on the sea
Rumbling exclamations about Rome's wonder
No one imagined an attack on this dictator
In power for twenty years
Overthrown in one day
Bad news via telegram
Express loyalty and patriotism
Self bored Jade Mountain split apart
Following righteousness, courageous and determined
Sigh about their sacrifice and fidelity
Little room for asking questions 
Pushed and pulled not moved
Deep into the night remaining image in the moonlit river

A big famous Italian luxury cruise ship called Kangtifude, 30,000 tons. During WWII the Italians used this ship to carry many people to Asia. Since Italy was an Axis power, the ship ported at (Japanese-controlled) Shanghai. The Italians had a coup to overthrow Mussolini who had been dictator for twenty years. He was put in jail. Another power Bateliyao (Badoglio) declared war against Japan and Germany. This boat became an enemy of Japan, so the ship's captain received a telegram with the news, and, within 35 minutes, they decided to not to let the Japanese gain access to the ship, so they sank it with the crew on board. Because the river wasn't deep enough, two-thirds of the ship remained above the water line. The Japanese used a huge amount of money to recover the ship. They used cables hooked to big buildings lining the waterfront and cranes, and worked for several months. But they couldn't recover it and let it sit in the middle of the water for a long time. People would walk around, feeling sad for the Italian patriots. So I wrote a poem about it. 

- This is the first time translating a ci2 a pre-set lyrical form with lines of differing lengths. Sudongbuo form.
- http://www.rickshaw.org/ships_that_brought_us.htm
- http://www.rickshaw.org/sinking.htm
- voluntary, determined, and willing [to die for one's country] (this word is my last name), following righteousness
- another reason I'm sure I'll love Shanghai