The Rock Bamboo

Introducion:

Plain, lively but forceful, the poem vividly depicts the bamboo grove growing strong and stout in the hostile environment, which symbolizes independence, firmness and optimism.   

 

Text:

竹石

郑燮（清）

 

yǎo dìng qīng shān bú fàng sōng，lì gēn yuán zài pò yán zhōng。

 咬   定    青     山    不  放    松 ，立根    原   在 破   岩     中。

qiān mó wàn jī hái jiān jìn，rèn ěr dōng xī nán běi fēng。

 千   磨   万 击 还 坚 劲，任  尔  东   西 南 北  风。

 

The Rock Bamboo

Zheng Xie (Qing)

 

The bamboo clings firmly to the mountain steep,

In the chasm of rock it plants its root so deep.

In spite of all beats, it stands still, not bending low,

Whether from east, west, south or north the wind does blow.

 

Comment

Plain, lively but forceful, the poem vividly depicts the bamboo grove growing strong and stout in the hostile environment, which symbolizes independence, firmness and optimism. The bamboos take roots in the charms of rocks at the mercy of the elements, but "cling firmly to the mountain steep". The word "任" fully shows the tenacity of the bamboos, their bravery, generosity, steadfastness and high confidence.