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| Song Dynasty ci poetry |
| CCTV.COM 2002-09-13 15:09:53 |
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 In ancient China, poetry in the ci form was actually lyrics composed to certain melodies. Its literary value gradually set it apart from music and became an independent form of literature.
Ci poetry became popular by Late Tang and the Five Dynasties with the emergence of famous ci poets like Wen Tingjun, Li Yu and others. The creation of ci poetry reached its height by the Song Dynasty, so much so that it was put on a par with Tang－dynasty poetry in the history of literature.
In the beginning, ci poetry was sung as entertainment. As compared with poems, the form of ci was more suitable for expressing sentimental and complicated sentiments such as vague feelings of grief, quiet leisure, and trivial meditation. It was sung in low voices over wine in hidden courtyards.
－－I ascend the stairs in prevailing chill
－－The dismal morning resembles autumn late
－－Painted screens display smoke and stream
－－Light as dream the flowers fall
－－Drizzle sprays as grief so light
－－A silver hook holds up the curtain fine
 －－I compose a new song and drink a cup of wine
－－In the bower of last year when weather is as fine
－－When will you come back now the sun's on the decline
－－Deeply I sigh for the fallen flowers in vain
－－Vaguely I seem to know the swallows come again
－－Loitering on the garden path I alone remain
The Song Dynasty placed more importance on literary talents than on military feats. Scholars and officials, leading a comparatively easy life, were able to savor the subtle beauty of everyday life and put their gentle feelings into ci poetry.
Nevertheless, romantic themes of scenery and love were only one aspect of human life. When ci poetry became the vogue of literature, its range of themes gradually turned from small deep courtyards to extensive human life.
－－All aspects change on the frontier when autumn comes
 －－Wild geese fly southward without faltering
－－Shouts echo on all sides along the border when the bugle blows
－－Amid a thousand mountains
In spreading mists and setting sun the lonely citadel is closed
－－A cup of poor wine my native land is far away
－－The Huns are not conquered
I have no power to go home
－－The Tartar flute comes wailing over a land frost－bound
－－One can hardly sleep
The general is white-haired and soldiers shed tears
This is a poem written by Fan Zhongyan, a famous general of Northern Song at the borderland depicting the scenery and his feelings. Su Shi and Xin Qiji represented the heroic school who broadened the content of ci poetry, expressing their concern for their country and people and their optimism and enterprising spirit.
－－Listen not to the rain beating against trees
－－I'll walk at leisure and chant at ease
－－Better than a saddle
I like sandals and cane
－－I have no fear
－－In a straw cape
I'd spend my life in mist and rain
－－I am sobered by spring wind
shrill and chill
－－And see the slanting sun atop the hill
－－Turning, I see the bleakness from where I came
Let me go back
－－To live a life without rain or shine
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Editor: Liu Baoyin CCTV.com
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