Your words has the potential to inspire others for generations to come
I watched the Chinese movie “Full River Red” on Netflix for the second time recently. The film ends with the poem “Full River Red” (滿江紅) written by the ancient poet Yue Fei (岳飛), a renowned military general in 1133. He wrote the poem at the age of 30 to express his longing for the restoration of his homeland against invading forces. The poem is a strong reflection of the people’s patriotic fervour, their unwavering commitment to their duty as a soldier, and their hopes and aspirations for a prosperous and peaceful future for their country.
Whenever this poem is recited, it never fails to evoke strong emotional feelings among the Chinese listeners, resonating deeply with themes of patriotism, resilience, and hope. For centuries, this poem has served as a rallying cry for the people during times of adversity, reminding them of their shared hardship and the enduring spirit of their nation. The imagery of the river, flowing steadfastly despite obstacles, symbolizes the indomitable spirit of the people.
When the original words of “Full River Red” are spoken aloud, they awaken a sense of resilience, stirring memories of the countless individuals who’ve bled and fallen to safeguard the country’s sovereignty or to uphold its honour. Each verse of the poem vividly reminded them of the anguish, pain, and enduring resilience of past generations, their struggles still palpable in the present. The humiliation and countless sacrifices endured by their ancestors throughout history, all in the pursuit of a brighter future for their descendants, are brought to the forefront of their minds, evoking a profound sense of pride and unity.
For those facing challenges in their own lives, the poem serves as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path of perseverance and determination.
Writing like this shows us how simple words, when properly mixed with hope and emotions, can become a timeless message that resonates deeply with individuals striving to overcome obstacles, encouraging them to forge ahead towards a tomorrow filled with hope and possibility.
To write a piece like “Full River Red” that serves as a source of strength for many people is the dream of every writer. But for a writer to write a piece like this must also mean he has been through extreme adversity.
Just as the river persists in its flow despite the rocks and currents it encounters, you will face obstacles and setbacks along your path. Still, you must persevere and remain steadfast in your pursuit to overcome these challenges. In this world, your individual achievements are nothing; it is the journey that will let you experience the wonders of it all. Take comfort in the idea that your path as a writer is filled with potential and possibility. Look to the sky and let loose your passionate roar; do not sit idly, for your youth will pass you by.
It is sad, but it is also true that the more you suffer, the better you will become. Turn your suffering into a timeless expression of the collective hopes and dreams. Where each recitation, reaffirms the bond with your resilience and serves as a source of strength and inspiration for others and for generations to come.
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“Full River Red” (滿江紅) by Yue Fei (岳飛)
怒髮衝冠,憑欄處,瀟瀟雨歇。
My wrath bristles through my helmet, the rain stops as I stand by the rail;
抬望眼,仰天長嘯,壯懷激烈。
I look up towards the sky and let loose a passionate roar.
三十功名塵與土,八千里路雲和月。
At thirty, accolades will go to dust but the journey, forever filled with cloud and moon.
莫等閒白了少年頭,空悲切。
Do not sit idly by, for youth will pass in regret.
靖康恥,猶未雪;
The Humiliation still lingers,
臣子恨,何時滅?
When will the pain of the people ever end?
駕長車踏破賀蘭山缺!
Let us ride our chariots through the Pass,
壯志飢餐胡虜肉,笑談渴飲匈奴血。
There we shall feast on barbarian flesh and drink their blood.
待從頭收拾舊山河,朝天闕。
Let us recover the old empire under the heaven sky.