The Fourteen-line Poem: Inspiration and Legacy

Here is the English translation of the provided Chinese text:

Extract from “The Fourteen-line Poem” Preface:

This beginning was accidental, but my inner self gradually felt a call: There are experiences that will always recur in my mind, and people or things I draw upon continuously. I feel an obligation to leave some traces of their presence. This idea led me to write poems about historical figures who are forgotten today, village women and children from faraway lands, ancient cities, majestic mountains, small animals, and even the actions and thoughts of ordinary people. If a poem comes easily, I compose it; if not, I keep working until inspiration strikes. So far, I have written twenty-seven poems.

When I fell ill after composing these poems, my health began to deteriorate rapidly. My spirit was almost broken when I died in bed surrounded by the cold air of winter. I left no will behind, relying solely on my life’s work and the care of those who loved me for a last farewell. After my death, my body cooled down gradually, and I passed away like the wind, without any final resting place.

In life, I wrote these poems to express my gratitude and record my experiences during my brief stay on Earth. I dedicated them to humanity as well as to myself. The world will remember me for a moment longer than I can hope for.

Extract from “Xia qu” Section:

But hope is not in one’s favor. No matter how hard you struggle, life will never give in easily. Even if you lose heart, never lose faith in the goodness of your people and the righteousness of history. Keep moving forward; the future holds many unknowns, and our fate lies in our own hands.

Shaoxiang

Extract from “Xia qu” Poem:

The fourteen-line poem was written to express my gratitude for the opportunity I was given by fate to live a life full of beauty. The fourteen-line form is unique, and although it differs from traditional Chinese poetry in its structure, it can still convey profound emotions through clever wordplay and imagery.

This poem reflects my longing for the past and my hope for the future while also showcasing my love for nature and humanity. Each stanza poses a question or presents a thought that has shaped my perspective on life.

Note: The fourteen-line poems are characterized by their unique structure, free use of rhyme and rhythm, and the ability to convey deep emotions through imagery and metaphor. These qualities make them distinct from traditional Chinese poetry while still maintaining a certain level of aesthetic beauty.