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Interpreting Tang Dynasty Poetry: "Visiting an Old Friend in His Farmhouse" By Wen Sige (Clearwisdom.net) Visiting an Old Friend in His Farmhouse By Meng Haoran An old friend prepared a meal of chicken and rice, The Author's Interpretation This poem was written in very plain language and a simple style. Literary
critics have tried to find the secret of Meng Haoran's timeless popularity by
studying the language or techniques of his writing. I personally consider that a
waste of time. While techniques and language might enhance a poem, what truly
makes this poem great is Meng Haoran's pure, innocent mind. He is true to his
heart and feelings, which is naturally reflected in his poems. This poem might seem like a fairly common poem describing a visit to an old
friend. The language is so simple that even people without much education can
understand it. It might give some people an impression that anyone can write a
poem like this, but why is this "simple" and "common" poem
known as a masterpiece of the Tang Dynasty? It is the truthfulness and sincerity
in his heart, which gives the poem an ethereal and inspiring feeling. This is
the same reason why a Chinese literary giant like Su Dongbo admired Tao
Yuanming's poems the most. This is such a simple principle, but numerous poets
throughout the ages have looked in the wrong direction! First published in English at: http://www.pureinsight.org/pi/articles/2005/8/1/3186.html Posting date: 8/7/2005
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