summary of the poem "秋叶" (Autumn Leaves) by Wei Yanlie
The poem vividly depicts the scene of autumn leaves falling. With a gentle scratch by the wind, leaves start falling like flakes of dandruff, piling higher and higher. The accumulating leaves eventually bury this entire autumn season, along with the remnant scenery stored in the poet's memory. Only a few dry twigs are left, holding up a lingering dream of autumn.
The falling of leaves symbolizes the passing of time and the fading of memories. The poet stays up all night with red eyes, perhaps reminiscing about the past. Autumn represents a melancholic period of life's cycle, when things wither and die before renewal in spring.
The poem employs vivid imagery and personification. The wind is portrayed as actively scratching and causing the leaves to fall. The leaves are likened to dandruff flakes, creating a tangible image of their lightness as they descend. The dry twigs left behind are given the human quality of "holding up" a dream, imbuing them with purpose.
Overall, the poem captures the bittersweet feeling of autumn - the beauty of the changing colors contrasted with the sadness of nature's decline. The falling leaves serve as a metaphor for the transient nature of life, memories fading, and the passing of time. Yet the few remaining twigs suggest hope and the continuation of the cycle into the next spring.
Wei Yanlie's poems capture the essence of nostalgia, melancholy, and the fleeting nature of life using vivid imagery and metaphors. They evoke a longing for one's hometown and past memories, often symbolized through natural elements like fallen leaves, wind, and moonlight.
Nostalgia and Memories
In "Late Autumn," the path is compared to "an air-dried sausage filled with nostalgia." In "Night," dreams are "lost in the growing thickness of snow." "Winter Days" personifies the haze as "a pustule pierced by late rain." Many poems reflect on aging, such as in "The Old Man," where the poet envisions his future self as "a pile of clay molded into a human image by wind." Memories of childhood and hometowns frequently appear. In "A Shadow Puppet," past events are revealed through finger movements. "Migrant Workers" likens hometowns to "a waning moon," while "Late Autumn" describes how "the past fades," but "loneliness hides in an album, licking its old scars and new wounds."
Nature and Cycles of Life
Nature is a recurring theme, symbolizing the cycle of life. In "Spring Breeze," leaves become "weapons for charging," and flowers use "beauty tricks," with thunder and lightning making "a feint to the East but attack in the West." "Autumn Rain" describes "curling smoke from kitchen
chimneys" that brings past events to light. Seasonal changes are depicted vividly. In "Autumn Leaves," "a gentle scratch by the wind" causes leaves to "fall like flakes of dandruff, piling higher and higher." "Cold Dew" features a pomegranate's grin making "maple leaves blush half the hillside," while the autumn wind "eats up the chirping of birds."
Social Commentary
Some poems address social issues and human nature. "Migrant Workers" describes their sweat as "reserved seeds" scattered on city edges. "Freeing Captive Animals" laments that people are quick to "free a sheep, a fish, or a cow," but reluctant to "set free a man" from "slanders, curses, plots." "Life" paints a bleak picture, with "the face of life" deformed by "old hatred piled with new wounds," and the "secularity between black and white" causing "calluses all over the face." "Self Mockery" suggests that when "poetry loses its past temptation," one must "remove the signboard of the exclusive shop and shift to selling articles of daily use."
Poetic Techniques
Wei Yanlie uses vivid metaphors and personification throughout his work. In "Cableway," the cable car "spreading its wings like a bird flying higher and higher" dives into the sky. "Maple Leaves" are compared to "a butterfly spreading its frightened wings at dusk." Contrasts are frequent, as in "Sheep and Shepherds," where "the sheep are concerned about the grass while the shepherds are only obsessed with mutton." In "Topic," the poet says, "even if I can't afford an apartment, at least I can eat my fill to become plump and sturdy." The poems blend reality with imagination and surreal elements. In "Lover," after "the lamp is extinguished, she plods on the moonlit road step by step, close to me." In "Mid-Autumn Festival," "the past, like a headless and tailless fish, swims around and never gets hooked."
Overall, these poems offer a poignant exploration of human emotions, societal issues, and the beauty and transience of the natural world through Wei Yanlie's masterful use of imagery, metaphor, and lyrical language.
Today, I have the pleasure of speaking to you about a remarkable collection of poetry by WEI Yanlie, titled "遍地乡愁" ("Everywhere Nostalgia"). This bilingual collection presents a profound exploration of life, nature, and human emotions through its vivid imagery and masterful use of metaphor.
Each poem in this collection invites us to pause and reflect on the intricate tapestry of our existence, drawing us into a world where the natural and the human realms intertwine in delicate harmony. Let's embark on a brief journey through some of the key poems that make this collection so compelling.
In "Wolves," WEI Yanlie transports us to a tranquil yet mystical scene where the arrival of spring and the melting snow are depicted as wolves painting the grassland with their brushes. The silent, watchful eyes of the wolves at night symbolize nature’s persistent and vigilant presence. This poem reminds us of the ever-watchful and unyielding force of nature that surrounds us, urging us to appreciate its beauty and power.
"Ankang" offers us a moment of serene beauty and tranquility. Here, a beautiful night is soaked in river water, likened to a dream. The poet scoops up half of the moon and hangs it on a branch, allowing the wind to dry it gradually. This imagery reflects the ephemeral yet profound moments of peace that we experience, inviting us to cherish the quiet beauty of our surroundings.
In "Spring Rain," the poet captures the capricious nature of spring weather, comparing dark clouds to cunning tricksters and the sky to a bluffer. The metaphor of a chess game reaching a critical juncture but lacking resolution highlights the playful and elusive characteristics of the season. It reminds us of the unpredictability of life and the joy in embracing its uncertainties.
"Laba Festival" takes us back to basic, heartfelt values. The poet describes the need for a bowl of porridge to awaken humanity’s compassion, extracting nutrients from coarse grains and filtering out additives. This simple, traditional meal symbolizes a return to fundamental values, encouraging us to savor the essence of nostalgia and simplicity in our lives.
The "Temple of Heaven" reflects on the historical and spiritual significance of this ancient structure. The poet describes the departure of the emperor and his dynasty, leaving behind loess at a historical crossroad. This imagery emphasizes the temple's timeless beauty and its deep spiritual connection, reminding us of our heritage and the continuity of history.
In "Night," the evening becomes a time for reflecting on past events. The sunset pressing a button symbolizes dreams duplicating the past over and over. The moon, likened to a new stamp, and the wind, riding an old bicycle, contribute to this reflective and nostalgic scene. This poem invites us to contemplate our memories and the enduring impact of our past.
"Blessing" speaks to the renewal of cherished words like happiness, auspiciousness, and health. These words are compared to firewood, essential and warming, symbolizing the continuity and warmth of blessings throughout life. The poem reminds us of the importance of preserving and cherishing the positive aspects of our lives.
"Ginkgo" recounts the resilience and endurance of the ginkgo tree through adversities like famine, drought, and war. The tree's silent strength and ability to endure through the rise and fall of dynasties serve as a metaphor for stoic perseverance and silent wisdom. This poem encourages us to find strength in our resilience and to appreciate the silent wisdom we gain through life's challenges.
"Red Willow" describes a lonely and desolate figure standing at dusk, surrounded by an endless Gobi. This imagery conveys feelings of isolation and the harsh realities of life, highlighting the resilience required to endure such conditions. It speaks to the human spirit's capacity to withstand and overcome adversity.
"Returning Home" evokes the powerful imagery of hearts as arrows aimed at the homeland, with bodies growing wings for flight. The poem captures the restless and inevitable pull towards one's roots and the cycle of reunion and separation inherent in the human experience. It reminds us of the deep connections we have with our origins and the powerful emotions associated with returning home.
Lastly, "The Old Man" uses the metaphor of sunlight dragged out of an old house, squatting at a wall corner, representing the drained vitality and the passage of time. The old man, like a pile of clay molded by wind, symbolizes the inevitable aging process and the reflection on one’s future self. This poignant poem urges us to reflect on our own journey through life and the passage of time.
WEI Yanlie’s "遍地乡愁" is a collection that intricately weaves themes of nature, historical continuity, and profound human emotions. The vivid imagery and metaphorical language invite us to reflect on our own experiences, emphasizing the timeless beauty and resilience inherent in the world around us. As we delve into these poems, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of all things and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Today, I am honored to speak to you about WEI Yanlie’s remarkable bilingual collection, "遍地乡愁" (translated as "Nostalgia Everywhere"). This anthology is a tapestry of poetic reflections that intertwine themes of life, nature, and the profound spectrum of human emotions. Each poem within this collection offers a unique window into the intricate beauty and resilience of the world around us.
Let us begin with "Wolves." Here, Yanlie presents a scene that is both tranquil and mystical. The imagery of wolves arriving with the spring, painting the grassland with their brushes, evokes a sense of nature's persistent and vigilant presence. The silent, watchful eyes of the wolves at night symbolize an ever-present guardian, highlighting the unyielding and omnipresent spirit of nature.
In "Ankang," Yanlie beautifully portrays a serene night soaked in river water, likened to a dream. The poet captures a moment of tranquil beauty by scooping up half of the moon and hanging it on a branch to dry in the wind. This imagery speaks to the ephemeral nature of serenity and the fleeting yet precious moments of peace we encounter.
The capriciousness of spring is vividly depicted in "Spring Rain." Dark clouds are portrayed as cunning tricksters and the sky as a bluffer in a chess game at a critical juncture. This metaphor encapsulates the playful and elusive characteristics of spring, emphasizing the unpredictable dance of weather and life itself.
"Laba Festival" takes us back to the basics of human compassion through the simple act of savoring a bowl of porridge. By extracting nutrients from coarse grains and filtering out additives, Yanlie underscores the importance of returning to heartfelt values and appreciating nostalgia in its purest form.
"Temple of Heaven" delves into historical and spiritual reflection. The poet describes the departure of the emperor and his dynasty, leaving behind loess at a historical crossroad. This imagery underscores the timeless beauty and deep spiritual connection of the Temple of Heaven, a symbol of historical continuity and spiritual endurance.
"Night" offers a reflective journey through time. The sunset pressing a button symbolizes dreams that replicate past events, while the moon, likened to a new stamp, and the wind riding an old bicycle, contribute to a scene filled with nostalgia and reflection.
In "Blessing," Yanlie metaphorically cleanses and renews cherished words such as happiness, auspiciousness, and health. These words, compared to firewood, symbolize the continuity and warmth of blessings that sustain us through life's journey.
The poem "Ginkgo" stands as a testament to resilience and endurance. The ginkgo tree, surviving through famine, drought, and war, symbolizes stoic perseverance and silent wisdom. It serves as a metaphor for enduring strength amidst the adversities of life.
"Red Willow" paints a picture of isolation and desolation. The lone figure standing at dusk in the Gobi Desert highlights the resilience required to endure life's harsh realities, embodying a profound sense of solitude and endurance.
"Returning Home" evokes the powerful imagery of hearts as arrows aimed at the homeland. This poem captures the restless and inevitable pull towards one's roots, emphasizing the cycle of reunion and separation inherent in the human experience.
Lastly, "The Old Man" reflects on the passage of time and the inevitable process of aging. The metaphor of sunlight dragged out of an old house, squatting at a wall corner, symbolizes the drained vitality and the reflection on one’s future self.
Each poem in WEI Yanlie’s collection intricately weaves together themes of nature, historical continuity, and profound human emotions. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Yanlie invites readers to reflect on their own experiences, emphasizing the timeless beauty and resilience inherent in the world around us.
Thank you.
asmine maha（摩洛哥）
The poem "遍地乡愁" is a bilingual collection by WEI Yanlie that reflects on diverse themes encompassing life, nature, and human emotions. Here is a precise summary of the key poems in the collection:
Wolves
The poem "Wolves" presents a tranquil yet mystical scene where the arrival of spring and the melting snow are depicted as wolves painting the grassland with their brushes. The imagery of wolves, along with the silent, watchful eyes at night, symbolizes nature’s persistent and vigilant presence.
Ankang
"Ankang" portrays a beautiful night soaked in the river water, likened to a dream. The poet scoops up half of the moon and hangs it on a branch, allowing the wind to dry it gradually. This imagery reflects a moment of serene beauty and tranquility.
Spring Rain
In "Spring Rain," the poet captures the capricious nature of spring weather, comparing dark clouds to cunning tricksters and the sky to a bluffer. The metaphor of a chess game reaching a critical juncture but lacking resolution highlights the playful and elusive characteristics of the season.
Laba Festival
"Laba Festival" describes the need for a bowl of porridge to awaken humanity’s compassion, extracting nutrients from coarse grains and filtering out additives. This simple, traditional meal symbolizes a return to basic, heartfelt values and the savoring of nostalgia.
Temple of Heaven
"Temple of Heaven" reflects on the historical and spiritual significance of the Temple of Heaven. The poet describes the departure of the emperor and his dynasty, leaving behind loess at a historical crossroad. This imagery emphasizes the temple's timeless beauty and its deep spiritual connection.
Night
"Night" illustrates the evening as a time for reflecting on past events. The sunset pressing a button symbolizes dreams duplicating the past over and over. The moon, likened to a new stamp, and the wind, riding an old bicycle, contribute to this reflective and nostalgic scene.
Blessing
In "Blessing," the poet metaph
KhawajaHaseebMagbool（巴基斯坦）
Nostalgia everywhere by Wei Yanlie is a profound collection of bilingual poetry exploring nature, culture, memory, and life's deeper meanings. Using vivid imagery and metaphors, the poems often blend serene landscapes with underlying complexities.
The collection starts with "Wolves," where wolves symbolize both beauty and danger on a grassland canvas. This sets the tone for poems like "Ankang," which blends dreams with reality through imagery like scooping up the moon.
"Nostalgia" in "Laba Festival" calls for a return to simplicity and natural living, away from modern complexities. This theme echoes throughout the collection, alongside spiritual reflections in poems like "Temple of Heaven" and "Wolong Temple."
"Night" portrays nighttime as introspective and contemplative, revealing a rich inner world. Poems like "Blessing" and "Ginkgo" celebrate nature's endurance and timeless beauty, while "Smog" addresses environmental concerns.
Overall, "the book" weaves together personal emotions with broader cultural and natural themes. Wei Yanlie's poetry showcases the power of language to convey the complexities of human experience, blending traditional themes with contemporary insight.