| Window on Chinese Poetry |
My comments This man has really experienced mountain climbing! The physical sensations suggested are very accurate. I remember vividly that pounding of the blood, especially on the first steep climb, and also during the usual steep ascent near the top. The sense of elation and wonder are suggested, too. It�s partly a physical relief, but it�s also a sort of spiritual thing. You feel that the mountain top is a special, sacred place. Your perceptions and appreciation of nature are heightened somehow by the magnificence of the views and the clear, fresh air that is filling your lungs. I like the idea of looking down on all the smaller hills and mountains below. There is definitely a feeling of achievement and power in this line. The tribute to the majesty of the mountain is enjoyable, too: "...its north and south sides split dark from dawn" and it is..."the birthplace of the clouds." Merv Daw Try reading the poem again. It is presented below. |
"Gazing at Mount Tai" by Du Fu How to describe Tai Mountain? Its green towers over all of Chi and Lu! Here the creator concentrated divine beauty; its north and south sides split dark from dawn. Chest pounding, you reach the birthplace of the clouds; bursting eyes fill with birds returning to nest. Someday I must climb to the very top, looking down at all the little mountains at once. Adapted from a translation by David Lunde |
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