Plum Flower by Song Dynasty poet Wang Anshi (1021-1086)
By the corner of the fence, several branches of plum,
So cold, by itself abloom.
From far away, know it isn't snow.
Because a subtle fragrance comes.
New York Harbor Entrance Statue of Liberty
We arrived in New York, toured the whole city and saw lots of things, but didn't have time to record them all. Only wrote this one about the Statue of Liberty.
Dressed in white jade, the body of a woman,
Standing tall beside the famous city's great port.
Torch lifted high, shadows disperse.
Crown orderly and erect, eyebrows poised, noble,
Sails and masts swing, dreams of prosperity.
Waves and crests roll, sea of spring.
Iron posts and stone pedestal, cannot move,
Let people call her Goddess of Freedom.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Less and more
Plum Flower by Song Dynasty poet Ling Bu (967-1038)
All the flowers withered and dried, alone blooming and pretty,
Fills with beauty and delicacy this small garden.
Sparse silhouettes in differing directions reflect upon the water, clarity to depth
Subtle fragrance lilting by, the moon at golden haze.
He lived in the mountain and liked planting plum flowers. Didn't have a family. Plum flower is his wife. Stork is his kids.
The editor notes that Ling Bu changed the first words of the last two lines to attain this most highly regarded plum flower poem. Before 'sparse' it had been 'bamboo' and before 'subtle' it had been osmanthus thus simplifying the subject and decreasing the weightiness of the poem.
New York's Empire State Building
The Empire State's highest floor is the 102nd story.
Holding hands with old companion, happy to climb together.
Wind speed cars constantly come and go,
Electric powered elevators magically up and down.
Far and wide can see for a thousand miles,*
Flashy city seen by ten-thousand household light.**
Observation deck equipped with telescopes,
From which to fully view Wall Street's several rise and falls.
After finishing our duties in Canada, we went to New York and our hotel was next door to the tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building. My wife and I went to the Empire State Building and I wrote this after our visit.
*If you want to see another thousand miles, you need to go up another story.
**typically ten-thousand household hearths describe all rural life
All the flowers withered and dried, alone blooming and pretty,
Fills with beauty and delicacy this small garden.
Sparse silhouettes in differing directions reflect upon the water, clarity to depth
Subtle fragrance lilting by, the moon at golden haze.
He lived in the mountain and liked planting plum flowers. Didn't have a family. Plum flower is his wife. Stork is his kids.
The editor notes that Ling Bu changed the first words of the last two lines to attain this most highly regarded plum flower poem. Before 'sparse' it had been 'bamboo' and before 'subtle' it had been osmanthus thus simplifying the subject and decreasing the weightiness of the poem.
New York's Empire State Building
The Empire State's highest floor is the 102nd story.
Holding hands with old companion, happy to climb together.
Wind speed cars constantly come and go,
Electric powered elevators magically up and down.
Far and wide can see for a thousand miles,*
Flashy city seen by ten-thousand household light.**
Observation deck equipped with telescopes,
From which to fully view Wall Street's several rise and falls.
After finishing our duties in Canada, we went to New York and our hotel was next door to the tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building. My wife and I went to the Empire State Building and I wrote this after our visit.
*If you want to see another thousand miles, you need to go up another story.
**typically ten-thousand household hearths describe all rural life
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Investments
Planting Lizhi by Bai Juyi
Red husked pearl, truly desirable,
White-bearded mayor: are you so foolish?
Ten years to bear fruit, who will be here then?
Heedless of others, planting lychee in the center of the garden.
When he wrote this poem, he was already forty.
Bird's-eye view of Canada
No. 1
Cold, desolate, a developing nation for a hundred years:
End to end, east west coasts touch two oceans.
A protective curtain fortified North Pole,
Next door neighbor, friendly peaceful, on the southern border.
We flew from Vancouver to Montreal, crossing nearly the entire country. I wrote two poems to describe the trip.
Red husked pearl, truly desirable,
White-bearded mayor: are you so foolish?
Ten years to bear fruit, who will be here then?
Heedless of others, planting lychee in the center of the garden.
When he wrote this poem, he was already forty.
Bird's-eye view of Canada
No. 1
Cold, desolate, a developing nation for a hundred years:
End to end, east west coasts touch two oceans.
A protective curtain fortified North Pole,
Next door neighbor, friendly peaceful, on the southern border.
We flew from Vancouver to Montreal, crossing nearly the entire country. I wrote two poems to describe the trip.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Seen far from here
Grass (Bidding farewell) by Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi
Abundantly abundantly the wild grass grows,
Every year, withers then thrives.
Wild fires cannot burn all,
The spring breeze blows, born again.
Far away, invading the roadside,
Under the sun, connecting deserted towns.
Once again, sending the king's born away.
Thick how thick, full of parting sorrow.
Bai Juyi was sixteen when he wrote this poem. He brought it to a well known poet at the time, Gu Kuang, in Cangan who teased him and called him little fellow saying fame is not easy to come by. He changed his mind after reading this poem and thought he might have a chance.
My first visit to Canada
No. 2
Golden haired, green eyes busy serving wine and tea.
Jasmine, grapes, dreams are fragrant.
An announcement: Vancouver is in view.
Red walls, green trees back lit by morning sun.
Abundantly abundantly the wild grass grows,
Every year, withers then thrives.
Wild fires cannot burn all,
The spring breeze blows, born again.
Far away, invading the roadside,
Under the sun, connecting deserted towns.
Once again, sending the king's born away.
Thick how thick, full of parting sorrow.
Bai Juyi was sixteen when he wrote this poem. He brought it to a well known poet at the time, Gu Kuang, in Cangan who teased him and called him little fellow saying fame is not easy to come by. He changed his mind after reading this poem and thought he might have a chance.
My first visit to Canada
No. 2
Golden haired, green eyes busy serving wine and tea.
Jasmine, grapes, dreams are fragrant.
An announcement: Vancouver is in view.
Red walls, green trees back lit by morning sun.
Sunday, November 08, 2015
Work and rest
Grapes by Tang dynasty poet Han Yu
New tendrils not quite out, half still withered,
Training posts, once fallen, upright again,
If you want a full plate pile of white milk,
Don't say no to adding bamboo to let dragon whiskers climb!
Chapter 11: Big Ocean
In 1967, I was sent by the government to Canada to survey in preparation for the next expo. In August, I flew from Tokyo to Vancouver and then to Montreal. After two weeks in Montreal, we went to New York, then Chicago, California to visit each of my children. Afterward, returned to Tokyo. In August 1969, Suyuen and Minjun were married in California, Sudong, and Susi attended. In 1973, my eldest grandson was born. We didn't have a chance to visit until 1975. Minjun asked us to visit so we came in June and we went to South Dakota to visit them first, and then Sudong drove us to Yellowstone National Park and then Los Angeles to visit David, our grandson. In early July, Sudong drove us through Utah and Nevada back to Brookings, SD. From Brookings, we flew to New Jersey to visit Susi and our two granddaughters, Sujin had already left for Washington State for a new job. We went to Washington D.C. with her and the children. From D.C., we returned to Chicago. That was in summer break time, so Suyuen stayed in Aspen. So then we went to Aspen and stayed ten days. Then Suyuan drove us to Salt Lake and went back to California. In September we went back to Tokyo by way of Los Angeles and Hawaii. In 1977 December, we went from Tokyo to Richland, WA where Susi and Sujin had moved and spent Christmas and New Years there through February 1978. From there we went to Los Angeles. Suyuen picked us up and drove us to Riverside where they lived. Sudong and Qinyu drove over from Brookings to visit us in Riverside. Until April, when Diqin stayed in California [sic: we know that Diqin (my grandmother) actually came to Richland in hopes that her health would improve--she suffered from asthma. She was so mad at him for leaving that she had a nervous breakdown. My mother realized she had become irrational and took her to a doctor and she was prescribed medicine that helped her calm down. In September of that year, Diqin returned to Taibei on her own.] and I returned to Taibei by way of Tokyo. In summary, I flew back and forth across the Pacific eight times, which is why I named this section Dayan (Big Ocean)--most of this time was retired and leisurely and taking trips.
My First Visit to Canada
No. 1
Heavy clouds, dim moon, the water dark and murky.*
Jet high altitude, one leaf flight**
Safety belt loose, time to nap.
We cross the Pacific Ocean in our dreams.
*We took an evening flight. We boarded at night and then fell asleep. The next day, we woke and landed in Vancouver.
**A reference to a story about someone who flew by leaf. (My mom doesn't know it.)
New tendrils not quite out, half still withered,
Training posts, once fallen, upright again,
If you want a full plate pile of white milk,
Don't say no to adding bamboo to let dragon whiskers climb!
Chapter 11: Big Ocean
In 1967, I was sent by the government to Canada to survey in preparation for the next expo. In August, I flew from Tokyo to Vancouver and then to Montreal. After two weeks in Montreal, we went to New York, then Chicago, California to visit each of my children. Afterward, returned to Tokyo. In August 1969, Suyuen and Minjun were married in California, Sudong, and Susi attended. In 1973, my eldest grandson was born. We didn't have a chance to visit until 1975. Minjun asked us to visit so we came in June and we went to South Dakota to visit them first, and then Sudong drove us to Yellowstone National Park and then Los Angeles to visit David, our grandson. In early July, Sudong drove us through Utah and Nevada back to Brookings, SD. From Brookings, we flew to New Jersey to visit Susi and our two granddaughters, Sujin had already left for Washington State for a new job. We went to Washington D.C. with her and the children. From D.C., we returned to Chicago. That was in summer break time, so Suyuen stayed in Aspen. So then we went to Aspen and stayed ten days. Then Suyuan drove us to Salt Lake and went back to California. In September we went back to Tokyo by way of Los Angeles and Hawaii. In 1977 December, we went from Tokyo to Richland, WA where Susi and Sujin had moved and spent Christmas and New Years there through February 1978. From there we went to Los Angeles. Suyuen picked us up and drove us to Riverside where they lived. Sudong and Qinyu drove over from Brookings to visit us in Riverside. Until April, when Diqin stayed in California [sic: we know that Diqin (my grandmother) actually came to Richland in hopes that her health would improve--she suffered from asthma. She was so mad at him for leaving that she had a nervous breakdown. My mother realized she had become irrational and took her to a doctor and she was prescribed medicine that helped her calm down. In September of that year, Diqin returned to Taibei on her own.] and I returned to Taibei by way of Tokyo. In summary, I flew back and forth across the Pacific eight times, which is why I named this section Dayan (Big Ocean)--most of this time was retired and leisurely and taking trips.
My First Visit to Canada
No. 1
Heavy clouds, dim moon, the water dark and murky.*
Jet high altitude, one leaf flight**
Safety belt loose, time to nap.
We cross the Pacific Ocean in our dreams.
*We took an evening flight. We boarded at night and then fell asleep. The next day, we woke and landed in Vancouver.
**A reference to a story about someone who flew by leaf. (My mom doesn't know it.)
Sunday, November 01, 2015
Looking at flowers
By the river alone walking looking for flowers by Du Pu
The Huang's Number Four aunt's house has paths full of flowers.
Thousands of--ten-thousands of--weights bent low.
Circling around, playful butterflies on and on dance.
Freely there, gentle larks tweet tweet sing.
Palace Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing Party
This big party, looking at the cherry blossoms, wealth and luxury display.
Green eyes, golden hair, laughter and talking noise.
These old trees like a forest are still here,
The flowers on the branches are not from last year.
Sometime in the 1980s, the Japanese prime minister invited many foreign dignitaries to the Palace Garden to look at the cherry blossoms.
The Huang's Number Four aunt's house has paths full of flowers.
Thousands of--ten-thousands of--weights bent low.
Circling around, playful butterflies on and on dance.
Freely there, gentle larks tweet tweet sing.
Palace Garden Cherry Blossom Viewing Party
This big party, looking at the cherry blossoms, wealth and luxury display.
Green eyes, golden hair, laughter and talking noise.
These old trees like a forest are still here,
The flowers on the branches are not from last year.
Sometime in the 1980s, the Japanese prime minister invited many foreign dignitaries to the Palace Garden to look at the cherry blossoms.
Sunday, October 04, 2015
Crowds
Bayroot Pool by Wang Wei*, Tang dynasty
At springtime, the pool deep and wide,
Gathers waiting for small dinghy's return.
Lolling green bayroot rejoins,
Willow strands sweep apart again.
*Loved natural scenery, multi-talented as a painter and musician. It was said that his poems contain paintings and his paintings contain poems.
The Chinese word 'ping' is much more poetic than the English word 'duckweed'.
Wilderness Zoo
No. 2 - Monkey Drives a Car
A free body locked up in a wooded mountain,
At the front of the car, pretending to be a driver.
Round about a short loop of light rail tracks
Bearing loads of kids on slow turning wheels.
Sad bored expression with no one to talk to,
Crazy wild beast cannot be tamed.
Unable to take the noise, stretches and falls asleep:
Sleeping soundly, dreaming, on another plane of consciousness.
At springtime, the pool deep and wide,
Gathers waiting for small dinghy's return.
Lolling green bayroot rejoins,
Willow strands sweep apart again.
*Loved natural scenery, multi-talented as a painter and musician. It was said that his poems contain paintings and his paintings contain poems.
The Chinese word 'ping' is much more poetic than the English word 'duckweed'.
Wilderness Zoo
No. 2 - Monkey Drives a Car
A free body locked up in a wooded mountain,
At the front of the car, pretending to be a driver.
Round about a short loop of light rail tracks
Bearing loads of kids on slow turning wheels.
Sad bored expression with no one to talk to,
Crazy wild beast cannot be tamed.
Unable to take the noise, stretches and falls asleep:
Sleeping soundly, dreaming, on another plane of consciousness.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
At thirty
Picking Water Lilies Lyrical Poem by Tang dynasty poet Wang Canling 698-765
Lily pads and silken dress trimmed the same color.
Lotuses separate towards the face on two sides.
Meandering course, can't see the middle of the pond.
Hear singing then realize someone has come.
When Wang was thirty, he became an imperial scholar and was the palace librarian. Later on, he did business and was demoted to the country after falling out of favor. He was eventually murdered by the governor of that province.
Wilderness Zoo
No. 1 - Fierce wild bird
High soaring, recall chasing imaginary prey.
How did you wind up in this prison?
Feed overflowing, tasty pecking fullness.
Nest suspended, shiny feathers thick.
Inside: all angry and sad, mixed up.
Across vision, hubbub fades into emptiness.
Flap wings, several times, thinking about flying away,
Perhaps break free through the spanning net.
Thirty years ago, I had visited the zoo. This time, I took my wife with me. More or less, the scenery has remained the same, though my feelings are quite different.
Lily pads and silken dress trimmed the same color.
Lotuses separate towards the face on two sides.
Meandering course, can't see the middle of the pond.
Hear singing then realize someone has come.
When Wang was thirty, he became an imperial scholar and was the palace librarian. Later on, he did business and was demoted to the country after falling out of favor. He was eventually murdered by the governor of that province.
Wilderness Zoo
No. 1 - Fierce wild bird
High soaring, recall chasing imaginary prey.
How did you wind up in this prison?
Feed overflowing, tasty pecking fullness.
Nest suspended, shiny feathers thick.
Inside: all angry and sad, mixed up.
Across vision, hubbub fades into emptiness.
Flap wings, several times, thinking about flying away,
Perhaps break free through the spanning net.
Thirty years ago, I had visited the zoo. This time, I took my wife with me. More or less, the scenery has remained the same, though my feelings are quite different.
Monday, September 07, 2015
Trees playing dress up
Song of the Willow by Tang dynasty poet He Zizhang, 677-744
A tall tree all dressed up in jade green.
Ten-thousand strands flowing down like bright-green silk streams.
We don't know: who cut these leaves so thin?
Like scissors, the February spring breeze.
Poet He attained Jingsi level of scholars. He was Secretary of something and was good at writing poetry, calligraphy, and comedian. Popular and admired among the scholars. He was a famous drinking. When he retired, Emperor Tang Ming Huang sent him a poem. And the prince bid him farewell.
Daban Crane Tavern
No. 1
Pan pines stand throughout old Crane Tavern.
Why, like swallows, are you so busy renovating?*
Because we have new guests coming for far off countries,
Now this cold yard will become a bustling place.
*Pan as in bonsai
*This old tavern, now the Japanese government have turned into a tourist spot for entertaining foreigners.
A tall tree all dressed up in jade green.
Ten-thousand strands flowing down like bright-green silk streams.
We don't know: who cut these leaves so thin?
Like scissors, the February spring breeze.
Poet He attained Jingsi level of scholars. He was Secretary of something and was good at writing poetry, calligraphy, and comedian. Popular and admired among the scholars. He was a famous drinking. When he retired, Emperor Tang Ming Huang sent him a poem. And the prince bid him farewell.
Daban Crane Tavern
No. 1
Pan pines stand throughout old Crane Tavern.
Why, like swallows, are you so busy renovating?*
Because we have new guests coming for far off countries,
Now this cold yard will become a bustling place.
*Pan as in bonsai
*This old tavern, now the Japanese government have turned into a tourist spot for entertaining foreigners.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Spring line
On Seasons (Orchids and Osmanthus) by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Jiouling, 673 - 740 AD who served as prime minister.
In spring, orchid leaves abundant and verdant.
In autumn, osmanthus beauty clean and pure.
With growth booming like a business,
Naturally, a good season.
When Zhang Jiouling wrote this poem, he had retired from public service. The editor believes Zhang was saying that now that his great growth is behind him, he will enjoy the next season.
Eastern Sea Line Train Car
Eastern Sea line of cars for travelling far,
Spring fields new green fills the horizon.
Easier agriculture with machines: start a new look.
Ten-thousand acres fields tilled without using cattle.
Japan used to use oxen to plow fields, now, like China, they use machines. Chinese people traditionally rarely ate ox because they needed them for the work. I used to take the cows out and feed the ox. When I rode on this railroad, machines were so popular and I saw no oxen.
In spring, orchid leaves abundant and verdant.
In autumn, osmanthus beauty clean and pure.
With growth booming like a business,
Naturally, a good season.
When Zhang Jiouling wrote this poem, he had retired from public service. The editor believes Zhang was saying that now that his great growth is behind him, he will enjoy the next season.
Eastern Sea Line Train Car
Eastern Sea line of cars for travelling far,
Spring fields new green fills the horizon.
Easier agriculture with machines: start a new look.
Ten-thousand acres fields tilled without using cattle.
Japan used to use oxen to plow fields, now, like China, they use machines. Chinese people traditionally rarely ate ox because they needed them for the work. I used to take the cows out and feed the ox. When I rode on this railroad, machines were so popular and I saw no oxen.
Sunday, August 09, 2015
Rivers
Song: South of the River (Picking Water Lilies) by unknown author
One voice with chorus accompanied by seven instruments
South of the River, one can pick lilies.
Lily pads, how pretty!
A fish plays among the leaves.
The fish plays on the east.
The fish plays on the west.
The fish plays on the south.
The fish plays on the north.*
*This poem talks about the lily leaves and does not mention the lily flower. These people feel like the fish.
In Response to Guo's poems on New Spring
With the same sounds, my best will barely please you.
The northern area at present so bitterly cold.
Eight generations of diminishing literature*: think revitalization.
Six emperors later broken dreams - regret decline.
Sweeping clean foreign dust: not hopeless.
Burnt remains of the Ching fire**: worthy of attention.
Of the schools of poetry--West River--one surviving branch
will cause Watery Sea*** to roll in billows.
*Hanyu was a poet who came after eight dynasties and the saying goes that literature declined until he appeared on the scene.
**Ching fire can refer both to the remains of the Emporer Ching Sehuang (who built the Great Wall and Terracotta Soldiers) burning of scholars and books or the two-month blaze of his palace that was set by his successor.
***Name for Japan
Sunday, August 02, 2015
Two moments in time
Spontaneous Stroll by Yuen Mei* of the Ching dynasty, 1716-1797
A spontaneous stroll down the western path:
One orchid** floret blooming.
Who first announced the news?
Otherwise were the bees arrived.
*A good county official, kind to the civilians. When he retired, he returned home to take care of his mother, and built a study for himself called Pleasing Garden. He taught students writing, and they called him Mr. Pleasing. He traveled all around in the south of China.
**orchids characterize subtlety and reservedness
Tokyo Midsummer
Not drunk, no flowers, eyes only awake.
Gradually see the great earth head into darkness.
Willow strands, moon rising, hazy foggy white;
City outskirts, mountains stretching, shadowy gloomy green.
Blazing heat, steaming clouds, wind gusts hot;
Floating fragrance, circling edges, water flows sweet.
Weak tea, tastes thin, cheap commonplace drink:*
Luyu classic, no need to study deeply.
*those sent to Japan from China had low salaries
A spontaneous stroll down the western path:
One orchid** floret blooming.
Who first announced the news?
Otherwise were the bees arrived.
*A good county official, kind to the civilians. When he retired, he returned home to take care of his mother, and built a study for himself called Pleasing Garden. He taught students writing, and they called him Mr. Pleasing. He traveled all around in the south of China.
**orchids characterize subtlety and reservedness
Tokyo Midsummer
Not drunk, no flowers, eyes only awake.
Gradually see the great earth head into darkness.
Willow strands, moon rising, hazy foggy white;
City outskirts, mountains stretching, shadowy gloomy green.
Blazing heat, steaming clouds, wind gusts hot;
Floating fragrance, circling edges, water flows sweet.
Weak tea, tastes thin, cheap commonplace drink:*
Luyu classic, no need to study deeply.
*those sent to Japan from China had low salaries
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Fisherman
Big Fish by Wang, a Yuen dynasty (Mongolian)
Stronger than a turtle,
Shouldering gales and chop,
On my back a light burden, the faerie island.*
Ten-thousand miles of evening sun satin, a blanket tall--
Inadequate space to turn over, the Eastern Sea too small--
Taigong: how will you catch me?**
*there is a myth that says the faerie island is moved around on the backs of fifteen turtles sent by the Sea of God.
**Zhang Taigong was a famous retiree fisherman
Laihu Inside Passage Scenery, in response to my friend Guo Zesen's poem about Zhang's birthday
Curving winding Inside Passage, steam ships cross.
Pacing rhythm new poems, bursts of exclamation.
Erupting sunrise, chill frost, a few high-flying geese;
Welcoming spring, calm waves, a flock of sea gulls.
Pale-green shirt, gazing up, prospective outlook optimistic;
Red sleeves, playing around, laughter noise harmonious.
The Laihu scenery now is changed from before:
Most regrettably, no more is heard the fisherman's song.
This and the Jianghu Cherry Blossom poems were my contribution to my college class 40th reunion journal. The classmate collecting poems requested they be composed impromptu.
Stronger than a turtle,
Shouldering gales and chop,
On my back a light burden, the faerie island.*
Ten-thousand miles of evening sun satin, a blanket tall--
Inadequate space to turn over, the Eastern Sea too small--
Taigong: how will you catch me?**
*there is a myth that says the faerie island is moved around on the backs of fifteen turtles sent by the Sea of God.
**Zhang Taigong was a famous retiree fisherman
Laihu Inside Passage Scenery, in response to my friend Guo Zesen's poem about Zhang's birthday
Curving winding Inside Passage, steam ships cross.
Pacing rhythm new poems, bursts of exclamation.
Erupting sunrise, chill frost, a few high-flying geese;
Welcoming spring, calm waves, a flock of sea gulls.
Pale-green shirt, gazing up, prospective outlook optimistic;
Red sleeves, playing around, laughter noise harmonious.
The Laihu scenery now is changed from before:
Most regrettably, no more is heard the fisherman's song.
This and the Jianghu Cherry Blossom poems were my contribution to my college class 40th reunion journal. The classmate collecting poems requested they be composed impromptu.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Multiple metaphor
Oriole Shuttle by Liuo Kezhuang, a Song dynasty patriot
Throw the shuttle, darting through the tall willow tree,
Calling calling over and over, making the sound of the loom.
Luoyang* March flowers like shiny satin--
How much effort will such weaving require?
*a big city
Jianghu Cherry Blossom
No. 2
Observing new cherry blossoms, like they're smiling.
Suddenly, bright red drops scatter all around.*
No change in bright colors**, don't be shocked.
These flowers used to be high up in the branches, in full bloom.***
*The Japanese government changes a lot.
**figurative of the emperor
***The prime minister's brother became the next prime minister.
Throw the shuttle, darting through the tall willow tree,
Calling calling over and over, making the sound of the loom.
Luoyang* March flowers like shiny satin--
How much effort will such weaving require?
*a big city
Jianghu Cherry Blossom
No. 2
Observing new cherry blossoms, like they're smiling.
Suddenly, bright red drops scatter all around.*
No change in bright colors**, don't be shocked.
These flowers used to be high up in the branches, in full bloom.***
*The Japanese government changes a lot.
**figurative of the emperor
***The prime minister's brother became the next prime minister.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
The bees and the flowers
Bees by Luo Ying
No matter whether in the valley or the hills,
Without limit all air and light, occupied.
Sucking flowers by the hundreds, afterward transformed into honey:
For whom do you toil? For whom this sweetness?
Luo Ying changed his name from Luo Huen, 'huen' means rude and unreasonable. Because he was very ugly, proud, and made sarcastic comments to people, no one liked him. 'Ying' means low-key, hidden. He took his society exams ten times and failed each time. Finally he became a municipal officer and did the people much good.
My mom taught me the saying: chien ren zong shu; hou ren cen liang.
Former people plant trees; later people enjoy the shade and cool.
Jianghu Cherry Blossom
No. 1
Spring cherries in peak bloom, flowing hued clouds.
Jiang City, dotted in colors, a million houses.
Several trees, dazzling crystal, as if covered in jade snow.*
This part's grace and beauty is like the plum flower. **
*a few trees had white flowers, these few trees were in front of an elementary school
**the plum flower is my country's flower, when you stay in a foreign country, you think about home
No matter whether in the valley or the hills,
Without limit all air and light, occupied.
Sucking flowers by the hundreds, afterward transformed into honey:
For whom do you toil? For whom this sweetness?
Luo Ying changed his name from Luo Huen, 'huen' means rude and unreasonable. Because he was very ugly, proud, and made sarcastic comments to people, no one liked him. 'Ying' means low-key, hidden. He took his society exams ten times and failed each time. Finally he became a municipal officer and did the people much good.
My mom taught me the saying: chien ren zong shu; hou ren cen liang.
Former people plant trees; later people enjoy the shade and cool.
Jianghu Cherry Blossom
No. 1
Spring cherries in peak bloom, flowing hued clouds.
Jiang City, dotted in colors, a million houses.
Several trees, dazzling crystal, as if covered in jade snow.*
This part's grace and beauty is like the plum flower. **
*a few trees had white flowers, these few trees were in front of an elementary school
**the plum flower is my country's flower, when you stay in a foreign country, you think about home
Sunday, May 03, 2015
Strong hospitality
Woodpecker by Zu Qinyu
Thud thud towards evening rapid then plodding.
Having pecked every Pagoda tree* in the garden, still won't leave.
All day long, ridding of pesky bugs for you.
Do not scold, "Lacking business, why don't you fly off?"
*my mom told me about the phrase point the finger at the mulberry; angry at the Pagoda tree--basically scold one person when you're mad at someone else.
Senze Room
Becoming neighbors once again, arriving in Fusang.*
The room in Senze, cannot forget:
Lining the house, pine trees form a pretty color,
Outside the window, orchid plants give off subtle fragrance.
Arranging pillows and mats: Cenfan's bed.
Displaying musical instruments and books: Dupu's study.
The most leisurely day off,
An old man happily tells of the navy returning home.
*another name for Japan
I wrote this poem to describe the area. I lived in Senze once before and this time I came to live in Kogai. Because of how nicely the landlord treated me, it reminded me of the time I lived in Senze.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
No party and after the party
Horse Poem by Li He
Buole toward the future sees
Round hair on the barrel flank.
Until now white straw nabbed.
When is the day to run beyond the young green mountains?
Buole is star that is said to be the master of heaven's horses
In ancient times, a man named Suen Yang was fabled to be able to tell which horses were good for long distance running. They nicknamed him Buole, like the star. Buole is always paired with ten-thousand mile horse because it was he who could tell. Many people thought of themselves as a ten-thousand mile horse but had no Buole to discover them.
One time, Buole, passed by a place and there was a ten-thousand mile horse that was under a cart carrying salt. The horse recognized Buole and started to yell. Buole came to the horse and saw that he was given his proper use. Buole felt sad and wept. The ten-thousand mile horse was touched with his empathy.
It was said that ten-thousand mile horses had this round of hair on their stomachs.
Li He loved horses and was probably talking about himself and how he was unappreciated.
Commercial Expo
A wartime capital city's good and prosperous scene:
All the precious and uniqueness of land and sea gathered in one place.
From the metal tower scaffolding, noise is strong and broad,*
Inside each golden entrance pavilion, purpose are deep and long.
Three thousand women happily compete: delicate and pretty.
Ten ten-thousand people busily vie: crazy and chaotic.**
Muss and mess covers the whole yard, golden littered bits.
Extravagant and luxurious commercial expo, celebrate the closing.
*some broadcast station built a tower and the volume was so much, it hurt ones ears
**people campaigned for votes for their pageant candidate
After I finished classes in Donghai University, in the middle of the break, I went to the last day of Taiwan's Commercial Expo.
Buole toward the future sees
Round hair on the barrel flank.
Until now white straw nabbed.
When is the day to run beyond the young green mountains?
Buole is star that is said to be the master of heaven's horses
In ancient times, a man named Suen Yang was fabled to be able to tell which horses were good for long distance running. They nicknamed him Buole, like the star. Buole is always paired with ten-thousand mile horse because it was he who could tell. Many people thought of themselves as a ten-thousand mile horse but had no Buole to discover them.
One time, Buole, passed by a place and there was a ten-thousand mile horse that was under a cart carrying salt. The horse recognized Buole and started to yell. Buole came to the horse and saw that he was given his proper use. Buole felt sad and wept. The ten-thousand mile horse was touched with his empathy.
It was said that ten-thousand mile horses had this round of hair on their stomachs.
Li He loved horses and was probably talking about himself and how he was unappreciated.
Commercial Expo
A wartime capital city's good and prosperous scene:
All the precious and uniqueness of land and sea gathered in one place.
From the metal tower scaffolding, noise is strong and broad,*
Inside each golden entrance pavilion, purpose are deep and long.
Three thousand women happily compete: delicate and pretty.
Ten ten-thousand people busily vie: crazy and chaotic.**
Muss and mess covers the whole yard, golden littered bits.
Extravagant and luxurious commercial expo, celebrate the closing.
*some broadcast station built a tower and the volume was so much, it hurt ones ears
**people campaigned for votes for their pageant candidate
After I finished classes in Donghai University, in the middle of the break, I went to the last day of Taiwan's Commercial Expo.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Freedom and change
Parrot by Lai He
White-colored like clothing made of snow,
Red beak, green feathers, talking strangely.
Year by year, locked inside a golden cage:
How can it compare to flying freely about Long Mountain?
Xindian West Side
No. 2
In the shallows of the stream, sand eroded rocks remain.
Beyond the dyke, the mere's deep waters are unclouded.
Across, the bank gradually adds new vistas.
Alongside the flow, expansion of growth and village.
White-colored like clothing made of snow,
Red beak, green feathers, talking strangely.
Year by year, locked inside a golden cage:
How can it compare to flying freely about Long Mountain?
Xindian West Side
No. 2
In the shallows of the stream, sand eroded rocks remain.
Beyond the dyke, the mere's deep waters are unclouded.
Across, the bank gradually adds new vistas.
Alongside the flow, expansion of growth and village.
Sunday, April 05, 2015
Repeat repeat
Hearing Crickets by Bai Juyi
Hearing the crickets, chirp chirp, the night wears long long.
And, the cloudy autumn sky shows approaching rain.
Moreover, fearing this sad one will have a moment of sleep,
The sound sound closes in toward the reclining bedside.
Xindian West Side
No. 1
Lapping the bank, ripple ripple, water waves smooth.
Crossing the stream, space space, stone bridge spans.
Auto bus, honking horn, slowly traverses over.
Little boat, without sails, floats along free and easy.
Hearing the crickets, chirp chirp, the night wears long long.
And, the cloudy autumn sky shows approaching rain.
Moreover, fearing this sad one will have a moment of sleep,
The sound sound closes in toward the reclining bedside.
Xindian West Side
No. 1
Lapping the bank, ripple ripple, water waves smooth.
Crossing the stream, space space, stone bridge spans.
Auto bus, honking horn, slowly traverses over.
Little boat, without sails, floats along free and easy.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Changing points of view
Bird by Bai Juyi
Who says all kinds of animals' lives are of no value?
Also bones and flesh, also skin.
Please, don't shoot birds in trees.
Baby in the nest waits for mother's return.
We, as people, need to think about hunting from the bird's point of view.
Looking From Yangming Mountain Towards Taipei City
Yangming Mountain's color is too irregular:
Early morning clouds; evening foggy steam.
Far away, down in the valley, hazy Taipei City:
Ten-thousand parcels of smoky water, ten-thousand household's lights.
Ten years before this poem was written, Taipei City still had many rice paddies. Now, all these fields have disappeared, replaced by high rise apartments and hotels. There are neon lights at night. So, looking from Yangming Mountain toward the city, one has a very different scene.
Who says all kinds of animals' lives are of no value?
Also bones and flesh, also skin.
Please, don't shoot birds in trees.
Baby in the nest waits for mother's return.
We, as people, need to think about hunting from the bird's point of view.
Looking From Yangming Mountain Towards Taipei City
Yangming Mountain's color is too irregular:
Early morning clouds; evening foggy steam.
Far away, down in the valley, hazy Taipei City:
Ten-thousand parcels of smoky water, ten-thousand household's lights.
Ten years before this poem was written, Taipei City still had many rice paddies. Now, all these fields have disappeared, replaced by high rise apartments and hotels. There are neon lights at night. So, looking from Yangming Mountain toward the city, one has a very different scene.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Why the fuss
Minding the Swimming Fish by Bai Juyi
Circling the pond at a leisurely pace, watching the fish swim.
Just then, meet children preparing their fishing boat.
Though we share a love for fish, our hearts' intents don't match:
I came to feed, you came to drop your hook.
Bai Juyi had a reputation for composing very simple poems. After writing a new poem, he would recite it to some illiterate old lady and ask if she understood. If she didn't understand any part of the poem, he would edit it until she did.
Dedication: Late-coming Dove Small Home
Living on a mountain, how can one be late?
Quietly waiting for the peace dove.
Asking when the dove will arrive,
The master smiles and does not reply.
Spring warmth, flowers compete in bloom.
Summer lengthens, take in the coolness.
On the sea, wind and waves abound.
At mountain top, clouds and fog mix.
The small home's doors are often closed,
Outside the doors, the grass is colored wild.
My friend built a house on Yangming Mountain. I wrote this poem to congratulate him on the new building.
Circling the pond at a leisurely pace, watching the fish swim.
Just then, meet children preparing their fishing boat.
Though we share a love for fish, our hearts' intents don't match:
I came to feed, you came to drop your hook.
Bai Juyi had a reputation for composing very simple poems. After writing a new poem, he would recite it to some illiterate old lady and ask if she understood. If she didn't understand any part of the poem, he would edit it until she did.
Dedication: Late-coming Dove Small Home
Living on a mountain, how can one be late?
Quietly waiting for the peace dove.
Asking when the dove will arrive,
The master smiles and does not reply.
Spring warmth, flowers compete in bloom.
Summer lengthens, take in the coolness.
On the sea, wind and waves abound.
At mountain top, clouds and fog mix.
The small home's doors are often closed,
Outside the doors, the grass is colored wild.
My friend built a house on Yangming Mountain. I wrote this poem to congratulate him on the new building.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Look west
Tiaoxiaoling* (A Lost Horse) by Wei Yingwu
Mongolian horse, Mongolian horse,
Far and free beneath Yenzi mountain.
Running on sand, running on snow, alone panting.
Look east, look west, the way is lost.
Lost the way, lost the way,
Grasses edge without end, as the sun sets.
A Tang poet. There were many foreign invaders during this dynasty and therefore lots of battles along the borders. Many poets described the border areas because most people lived in the middle of the country, far away. This poet usually described Yenzi Mountain in Inner Mongolia, a fortress area to block invaders.
The poet probably feels lost, afraid, and lonely; even though enjoying the freedom of border living.
*a form of one of two words repeated, three lines of six, another line of two words repeated, a final line of six
Taizhong Flood
Remembering the horrible catastrophe of last fall:
After the devastation, the people begged for relief.
In analyzing the events, never heard Mr. Tang take responsibility.
Who will have compassion and tell Mr. Fan to consider their plight foremost?*
In the Capital, crown-wearers boast about their building projects.
While all around, dams and levees wait for repair.
Try to look west from Jade Mountain,
Ten-thousand acres of good fields, washed away by flood waters.
Around 1961, a friend wrote a series of poems about the poor people who lived in a area that had survived several years of frequent disaster, one of which had been published in the newspaper. I am writing in response to his poem.
*a famous Song dynasty scholar wrote:
When it comes to concerns, you are the first to address.
When it comes to pleasures, you are the last to partake.
He was employed by the emperor to help defeat the Mongols. He was so successful that the Mongolians had a saying about him that he had 10,000 soldiers in his bosom.
Mongolian horse, Mongolian horse,
Far and free beneath Yenzi mountain.
Running on sand, running on snow, alone panting.
Look east, look west, the way is lost.
Lost the way, lost the way,
Grasses edge without end, as the sun sets.
A Tang poet. There were many foreign invaders during this dynasty and therefore lots of battles along the borders. Many poets described the border areas because most people lived in the middle of the country, far away. This poet usually described Yenzi Mountain in Inner Mongolia, a fortress area to block invaders.
The poet probably feels lost, afraid, and lonely; even though enjoying the freedom of border living.
*a form of one of two words repeated, three lines of six, another line of two words repeated, a final line of six
Taizhong Flood
Remembering the horrible catastrophe of last fall:
After the devastation, the people begged for relief.
In analyzing the events, never heard Mr. Tang take responsibility.
Who will have compassion and tell Mr. Fan to consider their plight foremost?*
In the Capital, crown-wearers boast about their building projects.
While all around, dams and levees wait for repair.
Try to look west from Jade Mountain,
Ten-thousand acres of good fields, washed away by flood waters.
Around 1961, a friend wrote a series of poems about the poor people who lived in a area that had survived several years of frequent disaster, one of which had been published in the newspaper. I am writing in response to his poem.
*a famous Song dynasty scholar wrote:
When it comes to concerns, you are the first to address.
When it comes to pleasures, you are the last to partake.
He was employed by the emperor to help defeat the Mongols. He was so successful that the Mongolians had a saying about him that he had 10,000 soldiers in his bosom.
Sunday, March 08, 2015
Like snow, like jade
Egret by Li Bai
An egret dives toward the autumnal water.
Solo flyer like falling snow
Heart at ease, no hurry to leave.
Standing alone by the shallow edge.
Egrets were endangered by poachers. Their flight majestic and peaceful. When in the water, they are very still and you don't want to disturb them. The commentary says Li Bai was probably writing about himself, since he never attained any great status aside from his literary fame. He is expressing his identification with this independent, carefree bird.
Southeast Alkaline Factory
Located in Yilan county, Luodong city, one my of my friends built it and the facility was excellent and the technology cutting edge. It met international standards. My friend asked me to tour his facility and afterwards I wrote this poem to remember this event.
People say innovation and good work is difficult,
Happy to climb these high stacks that nearly touch the sky.
Iron containers and steel pipes connect all over,
Oxygen, carbon, and ammonia flowing this way and that.
From this factory, underground passage runs all the way to Su'ao port,
Smoke streams from all the furnaces, enveloping Taiping mountain.
Salt, halogens, and cement powder enter coarse and raw,
The final pure alkaline product precipitates into something like jade.
An egret dives toward the autumnal water.
Solo flyer like falling snow
Heart at ease, no hurry to leave.
Standing alone by the shallow edge.
Egrets were endangered by poachers. Their flight majestic and peaceful. When in the water, they are very still and you don't want to disturb them. The commentary says Li Bai was probably writing about himself, since he never attained any great status aside from his literary fame. He is expressing his identification with this independent, carefree bird.
Southeast Alkaline Factory
Located in Yilan county, Luodong city, one my of my friends built it and the facility was excellent and the technology cutting edge. It met international standards. My friend asked me to tour his facility and afterwards I wrote this poem to remember this event.
People say innovation and good work is difficult,
Happy to climb these high stacks that nearly touch the sky.
Iron containers and steel pipes connect all over,
Oxygen, carbon, and ammonia flowing this way and that.
From this factory, underground passage runs all the way to Su'ao port,
Smoke streams from all the furnaces, enveloping Taiping mountain.
Salt, halogens, and cement powder enter coarse and raw,
The final pure alkaline product precipitates into something like jade.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
A bug metaphor and a village portrait
Lighting* Song by Yu Sinan
Twinkling ebbs of light, faint.
Darting flimsy wings, thin.
Caring greatly that no one notices,
Alone in the dark, bright.
Commentary: the first two lines are about the firefly and the second two lines about the author himself. In the darkness, you don't have to be bright to be seen, even a little light will be evident. In a corrupt society, even a little bit of goodness or kindness is very meaningful.
*Ying2huo3 cong = lighting fire bug
First Time in Yilan*
Bright Orchid established one hundred years ago.
The whole area proudly located at the island's north shore.
Surrounded by a range of mountains that meld into the color of wilderness.
Ten-thousand fenced in houses, smoke luffing from chimneys.
Plains full of ripening rice, a yellow carpet.
The ocean casts high waves, pale green touches the sky.
Walk to the Jiaoqi Village tavern,**
Put on your jacket, tipsy, and go over to the warm springs.
*yi = suitable and pleasant; lan = orchid
**a tourist spot called Jiaoqi warm springs
Twinkling ebbs of light, faint.
Darting flimsy wings, thin.
Caring greatly that no one notices,
Alone in the dark, bright.
Commentary: the first two lines are about the firefly and the second two lines about the author himself. In the darkness, you don't have to be bright to be seen, even a little light will be evident. In a corrupt society, even a little bit of goodness or kindness is very meaningful.
*Ying2huo3 cong = lighting fire bug
First Time in Yilan*
Bright Orchid established one hundred years ago.
The whole area proudly located at the island's north shore.
Surrounded by a range of mountains that meld into the color of wilderness.
Ten-thousand fenced in houses, smoke luffing from chimneys.
Plains full of ripening rice, a yellow carpet.
The ocean casts high waves, pale green touches the sky.
Walk to the Jiaoqi Village tavern,**
Put on your jacket, tipsy, and go over to the warm springs.
*yi = suitable and pleasant; lan = orchid
**a tourist spot called Jiaoqi warm springs
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Whatchutalkingabout
Cicada Song by Yu Sinan (558-638 A.D.)
Cicada mouths drink pure dew,
Their song like water falling from the sparse sycamore trees.
When in a high place, sound travels far,
Without help from the autumn wind.
The notes say this can be like a person, who has good character. You don't need to depend on other people for your influence to count.
The commentary says Yu Sinan was writing about himself.
Mountain Route from Xindian to Yilan
Many reeds grow among the trees and grass.
Seed heads mat the winding roads,
By the mountainside and down in the valleys: covered.
This place should be called Big Snow Mountain.*
*There's a mountain elsewhere in Taiwan called Big Snow Mountain, but it never has snow.
Cicada mouths drink pure dew,
Their song like water falling from the sparse sycamore trees.
When in a high place, sound travels far,
Without help from the autumn wind.
The notes say this can be like a person, who has good character. You don't need to depend on other people for your influence to count.
The commentary says Yu Sinan was writing about himself.
Mountain Route from Xindian to Yilan
Many reeds grow among the trees and grass.
Seed heads mat the winding roads,
By the mountainside and down in the valleys: covered.
This place should be called Big Snow Mountain.*
*There's a mountain elsewhere in Taiwan called Big Snow Mountain, but it never has snow.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Thin and thick
Excerpt from Short Song as You Go (Black Magpie)
Moon bright, stars few
Pleasantly shaded avenue, lined by Phoenix arbors,
Crows and magpies flock south
Circling the trees three times
Which branch to alight upon?
This poem is an allegory for the political climate of the Three Kingdoms. Caocao, who represented the Wei Kingdom, wanted the second kingdom, Shu, led by Liubei, to ally with them. Yet Liubei changed his mind so often it was like he was flying around.
155-220 A.D. Caocao, one of the poets from the Three Kingdoms era. He was a military genius and a poet. His two sons, Caopei and Caozhi, were also very famous. Caopei became emperor and Caozhi was not only a great artist but a brilliant scientist. The well-known story is that he figured out how to weigh an elephant by putting it on a boat and marking the water level then replacing it with smaller stones to achieve the same water level and weighed the stones.
Taizhong Phoenix Tree No. 2
Pretty blossoms, tall trees, green leaves thick and tight.
May flowers bloom, red floods the eye,
Like a cloud of fire, a swath of tree tops.
Moon bright, stars few
Pleasantly shaded avenue, lined by Phoenix arbors,
Crows and magpies flock south
Circling the trees three times
Which branch to alight upon?
This poem is an allegory for the political climate of the Three Kingdoms. Caocao, who represented the Wei Kingdom, wanted the second kingdom, Shu, led by Liubei, to ally with them. Yet Liubei changed his mind so often it was like he was flying around.
155-220 A.D. Caocao, one of the poets from the Three Kingdoms era. He was a military genius and a poet. His two sons, Caopei and Caozhi, were also very famous. Caopei became emperor and Caozhi was not only a great artist but a brilliant scientist. The well-known story is that he figured out how to weigh an elephant by putting it on a boat and marking the water level then replacing it with smaller stones to achieve the same water level and weighed the stones.
Taizhong Phoenix Tree No. 2
Pretty blossoms, tall trees, green leaves thick and tight.
May flowers bloom, red floods the eye,
Like a cloud of fire, a swath of tree tops.
Sunday, January 04, 2015
What the birds
[Since we finished the book of my grandma's poetry, we're now moving onto a book my grandfather gave to me and my sisters when I was almost three years old.]
Appreciation of Poetry for Young People
[Hand-written inscription]
This is a Christmas present to De Hua, Qun, and Zhong from Gonggong & Puopuo 1978
Group 1: Animals
Group 2: Plants
Group 3: Four Seasons
Group 4: Mountains and Water
Group 5: Daily Living
###
From the oldest collection of poetry in China, before Confucius. Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE)
There were 311 individual poems compiled by Confucius. And there were several authors, including many anonymous/unknown writers.
Chopping Wood (Bird)
Chop wood, whack whack.
Bird sings, chirp chirp.
Out of the deep valley,
Moving to the tall trees.*
The sound of the birds singing
Means they're looking for friends.
*The birds go to nicer places to look for friends. The common phrase to wish someone a good move comes from the fourth line of this poem meaning moving to a better place.
Thunder Tiger Special Skills
Chattering nonstop bird talk, what do they mean?
Reporting the changes in front of the mountain, too many.
Heavy dew, bright moon, like the flowers are weeping.
Light wind, cloud shadows, sea waves stir up.
From several homes, cooking smoke rises.
In the sky, out of nowhere, jet streams pass by.
Early in the morning, open the window to look, what's happening?
High in the air, Thunder Tigers flip and twist.
(The Taiwan equivalent of the Blue Angels.) When I was staying at the Eastern Sea University, I woke up early one morning and the scenery was really pretty. The Tiger Thunder training ground was close by. I looked out and saw them practicing. It was fantastic, so I wrote this poem.
Appreciation of Poetry for Young People
[Hand-written inscription]
This is a Christmas present to De Hua, Qun, and Zhong from Gonggong & Puopuo 1978
Group 1: Animals
Group 2: Plants
Group 3: Four Seasons
Group 4: Mountains and Water
Group 5: Daily Living
###
From the oldest collection of poetry in China, before Confucius. Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE)
There were 311 individual poems compiled by Confucius. And there were several authors, including many anonymous/unknown writers.
Chopping Wood (Bird)
Chop wood, whack whack.
Bird sings, chirp chirp.
Out of the deep valley,
Moving to the tall trees.*
The sound of the birds singing
Means they're looking for friends.
*The birds go to nicer places to look for friends. The common phrase to wish someone a good move comes from the fourth line of this poem meaning moving to a better place.
Thunder Tiger Special Skills
Chattering nonstop bird talk, what do they mean?
Reporting the changes in front of the mountain, too many.
Heavy dew, bright moon, like the flowers are weeping.
Light wind, cloud shadows, sea waves stir up.
From several homes, cooking smoke rises.
In the sky, out of nowhere, jet streams pass by.
Early in the morning, open the window to look, what's happening?
High in the air, Thunder Tigers flip and twist.
(The Taiwan equivalent of the Blue Angels.) When I was staying at the Eastern Sea University, I woke up early one morning and the scenery was really pretty. The Tiger Thunder training ground was close by. I looked out and saw them practicing. It was fantastic, so I wrote this poem.
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