My Plum Blossom --to the tune of “The West River Moon” written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo') En. trans. by Julia Min (Jul. 2025) Her jade blossom thrives in celestial vibes. Her crystal heart can clear the miasma mist. Her sweet scent travels to fairy islands, Attracting little fairies, green nut-hatches.   A born beauty will need no make-up tips. No snow or rain can change her crimson lips. She’s a cloud at dawn, free of attachments, Never sharing a dream with pear blossoms. For Appreciation This is an elegy on a remarkable life, that of a 22-year-old woman known as Zhaoyun. Born in the enchanting city of Hangzhou, she embarked on her social journey as a talented singer and dancer at the tender age of 12. Historical records reveal her deep admiration for the renowned poet Su Shi, which led her to become his concubine at just 14 years old. Throughout her life, Zhaoyun faced numerous challenges. Twice she was asked to stay behind, rather than accompany Su Shi into exile. Yet, with unwavering resolve, she smiled each time, embodying an enduring spirit that shone brightly even in the face of adversity. Her life in Huizhou was fraught with hardship; the barren landscape and miasmic climate contributed to a struggle for survival. Unfortunately, the poor living conditions took a toll on her health, leading to her contracting malaria, a common affliction in that region. Tragically, she was only 34 when she was liberated from all earthly suffering, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and grace.   In her later years, she embraced Buddhism, studying its teachings deeply. As she passed away, she recited: “Everything on earth is like dreams, bubbles, shadows and illusions, like dews and lightning.” In that moment, Dongpo realised she had transcended earthly attachments. He reflected that she had come to him to settle a karmic debt, and now they would not share an afterlife. Thus, he wrote:   She’s a cloud at dawn, free of attachments, Never sharing a dream with pear blossoms.   Unlike the plum blossoms, symbolising purity and resilience in winter, pear blossoms thrive in spring's chaos, representing fashion and fame. This contrast emphasises Zhaoyun’s noble spirit, embodying the strength of the plum blossom amidst worldly miseries.   Among the three significant women in Su Shi’s life, Zhaoyun was the youngest and his true soulmate, inspiring him to create more works for her than anyone else. His celebrated work, “ A Moment from Shine to Rain on West Lake ” (《饮湖上初晴后雨》), emerged during this time, reflecting his heartache in July 1096 as he neared sixty. After her passing, he chose solitude, and his poems gradually lost the robust heroic style he represented. Remarkably, he succumbed to the same illness as Zhaoyun, dying on the same date as their son, Dun. When offered a high position by the Emperor, Dongpo declined, preferring tranquillity in Changzhou, near Lake Tai and Zhaoyun's birthplace, unaware he would leave this world upon reaching their dreamed oyster cave. 西江月.梅花 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025年7月) 玉骨那愁瘴雾， 冰姿自有仙风。 海仙时遣探芳丛。 倒挂绿毛么凤。 素面翻嫌粉涴， 洗妆不褪唇红。 高情已逐晓云空。 不与梨花同梦。 Reference: http://www.360doc.com 洋房居士

The Message of Autumn --to the tune of Xingxiangzi written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo') En. trans. by Julia Min (May.2025) The first message of autumn is the parasol when last night her leaves turned yellow. The Wind also found me lost in the frost. He greeted me, asking why so sick and old. Speechless, with fingers in the air, I wrote: “seized by sickness, lost in drinking, and fallen with my lazy soul.”   This morning, I woke up to a falling world. The courtyard is covered like a snow field. It could be the Wind’s wordless response, that I’m getting to the end of my life cycle. No hope, so let my world be the drink I fill, soaked in wine, dazed in sight, and watching the candle wick flowering alone. photo from “小话诗词” For Appreciation: Autumn frost and wind in Chinese literature are usually associated with a helpless shifting from one’s young days or prime years to old age. The sentiments here reflect Dongpo’s melancholy over his life and health situation, and his despair for his political ambition. It was most likely composed after the death of his concubine and soul mate Zhaoyun ( 妾 -王朝云) during his second banishment, which was further to the south border town of Huizhou (today’s Huizhou, Guangdong Province). His readership can feel shocked, as we know he was not a man easily crushed, though he had every reason to feel so depressed. The optimistic Dongpo was always able to get back on his feet quickly. At least he could find consolation in some local cuisine and drinks with friends. I assume it was really bad this time that he couldn’t take it anymore. He had to give it all up now that his world was gone forever with the wind. Little did he realise that this pessimistic mood attracted something even worse later - his 3rd banishment to a most desolate place, Hainan Island, known as the ‘End of the World’. 行香子 . 秋与 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025) 昨夜霜风, 先入梧桐。 浑无处、回避衰容。 问公何事，不语书空。 但一回醉，一回病，一回慵；   朝来庭下，飞英如霰， 似无言、有意伤侬。 都将万事，付与千钟。 任酒花白，眼花乱，烛花红。 Reference: baike.baidu.com

Special Memories (A letter to Shugu from Danyang) -to the tune of Xingxiangzi written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo') En. trans. by Julia Min (Apr.2025) We have an outing to the river village at Jingkou. Plum petals adorn the sway of dress-hems in snow. Not the same company tho’ the same music notes. Old memories sing to me of places special -- Lake Tower, Goldrush Gate, and Solo Temple.   Some places saw hundreds of poems we composed. When dusted by the silk sleeve,  they’d be revealed. I wonder if anyone missed me since I left Hangzhou. Special friends, poetry buddies, and maybe more -- The peak clouds, the lake moon and the river willows. photo from zhuanlan.zhihu.com是但庵文“江上一犁春雨” For Appreciation: This is a nostalgic poem about the special memory of friendship triggered by an early spring excursion and similar scenery. No vocabulary like ‘friendship’ or ‘bond’ is mentioned, but the message is subtly hinted at in every line, making it more evocative and sophisticated.  The silk sleeve here refers to the traditional dress robe of dancing and singing girls, made of silk with intricate embroidery. It was customary in the Song Dynasty to include them in the excursion team for entertainment purposes. According to Fu Zao's "Dongpo’s Chronicles", Su Shi composed this poem in his letter to Shugu on his return journey from Jingkou to Danyang in February 1074. Shugu (official name Chen Xiang), the governor of Hangzhou and Su Shi's superior and poetry buddy, was also marginalised from the Court for opposing Wang Anshi's new law. In November 1073, Su Shi was on an official trip with his son-in-law, Liu Jin, to Changzhou and Runzhou, where he carried out a Disaster Relief order. The following year, he passed Danyang and visited Jingkou to bid farewell to Liu Jin. According to Fu Zao's "Dongpo Chronicles", Su Shi composed this poem in his letter to Shugu on his return journey from Jingkou to Danyang in February 1074. 行香子.   丹阳寄述古 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025) 携手江村，梅雪飘裙。 情何限、处处消魂。 故人不见，旧曲重闻。 向望湖楼，孤山寺，涌金门。 寻常行处，题诗千首。 绣罗衫、与拂红尘。 别来相忆，知是何人。 有湖中月，江边柳，陇头云。 Reference: baike.baidu.com

Sonorous, like Pebbles Dancing on Stones --to the tune “The Drinking Lord” （Langya Valley is a green paradise of rolling mountains and flowing streams, where my mentor Ouyang Xiu (affectionately known as 'The Drinking Lord'), relished the natural melodies and the company of friends over wine. It was here that he penned his famous prose, “The Drinker’s Pavilion.” A decade later, the musician Shen Zun was inspired by Xiu’s work and visited the valley with his qin, leading to the creation of the successful ci-tune “The Drinking Lord”, which sensationally captured the sound of the running stream. Xiu loved the music and wrote a beautiful ci-poem for the tune. However, the rhyming lines seemed to drift apart from the musical notes. According to “The Ci-songs of Chu State”《楚词》, many musicians tried to create new tunes for the ci poem, but the music was often overshadowed by the verses. Now, over thirty years since their passing, Cui Xian, a master of qin music and Daoist monk from Lushan Mountain (Daoist name ‘Jade Stream’), came to me in Huangzhou seeking a ci-poem to fulfil his desire to complete Zun’s ci-tune.） written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo') En. trans. by Julia Min (Mar.2025) Sonorous, like pebbles dancing on stones， Softened in echo thru the valley, it’s fulfilled. The soothing breeze whispers in moonlit hills. Who’s playing? Only our Drinking Lord knows. The music vibrates the hearts of dreaming dews. Even the best ears on earth can be overwhelmed. It’s a silent symphony on Someone’s fingers, -- a grace of the celestial, a solace for sleepless souls.   Xiu chanted here to the stream’s high and low. Now he’s gone, his vibes linger on silent notes. Mountains rejuvenate bare areas here and there. Rivers could run backward, though very rare. Xiu has left us forever to the isle of immortals, Though we miss him here chanting his ci-poems. photo from www.aboluowang.com  Appreciation:   Dongpo composed this song in memory of his beloved mentor Lord Ouyang Xiu. It’s another showpiece where an ordinary theme is made unique with the background story of this famous man. Not to mention, the sensational short phrases were wisely chosen to imitate the running rhythm of the stream through the valley – waterfalls on rocks, cascading flow over stones… Such a treat for the eye and the ear. The renowned music “The Drinking Lord” could have enriched readers’ imagination further with a yearning for a symphony with the earth melody and Xiu’s chanting. Apparently, the repeated 2-word structure in the initial two lines creates a rushing pace (maybe Shen used short musical notes in his tune) that immediately draws the readers to the loud waterfalls at Langya Valley. I have to admit that this is the first time I’ve ever read Su’s ci-poem with such an impressive start. It’s a rafting journey that starts on a rocky stream just before reaching a waterfall. A quick engagement is deliberately created for the artistic and natural effects.   醉翁操·琅然 （琅琊幽谷，山水奇丽，泉鸣空涧，若中音会，醉翁喜之，把酒临听，辄欣然忘归。既去十余年，而好奇之士沈遵闻之往游，以琴写其声，曰《醉翁操》，节奏疏宕而音指华畅，知琴者以为绝伦。然有其声而无其辞。翁虽为作歌，而与琴声不合。又依《楚词》作《醉翁引》，好事者亦倚其辞以制曲。虽粗合韵度而琴声为词所绳的，非天成也。后三十余年，翁既捐馆舍，遵亦没久矣。有庐山玉涧道人崔闲，特妙于琴，恨此曲之无词，乃谱其声，而请于东坡居士以补之云。） 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025) 琅然，清圆。 谁弹? 响空山。 无言，惟翁醉中知其天。 月明风露娟娟，人未眠。 荷蒉过山前，曰有心也哉此贤。   醉翁啸咏，声和流泉。 醉翁去后，空有朝吟夜怨。 山有时而童颠，水有时而回川。 思翁无岁年，翁今为飞仙。 此意在人间，试听徽外三两弦。 Reference: baike.baidu.com

A Message to Huangzhou --to the tune of Rumenglinling written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo') En. trans. by Julia Min (Apr.2025) Pass my regards to my pals by East Slope. Tell them I’m close to the Throne, doing well. Let me know if any friends to my Snow Hall, And if the little bridge were buried in snow. How I wish to return, back to East Slope, To plough my spring field as river rain grows.  photo from zhuanlan.zhihu.com是但庵文“江上一犁春雨” For Appreciaiton: This poem, composed with colloquial language, reads just like the tone of a short message to the Head of Prefecture. It reveals interesting vibes under the lines, where you can easily sense the bright and breezy spirit of Su Shi after he finally got pardoned by the Emperor and reclaimed his voice at the Court, working in Hanlin Academy (翰林院) which was the centre of administration comprised of Song’s most prestigious men in the gentlemen’s society.  There is a change of sentiment in the last two lines, showing his longing to be away from the busy centre for a farming life in the country, which was a persistent longing throughout his official career.  It makes you suspicious that his experience at the Royal Court was not without challenges. Or, it could simply be a friendly message meant to warm the hearts of his friends at Huangzhou. 如梦令·有寄 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025) 为向东坡传语：人在玉堂深处。 别后有谁来？雪压小桥无路。 归去，归去！江上一犁春雨。 Reference: baike.baidu.com

A Farewell Toast to the Spring Season (a poem with borrowed verses) --to the tune of Nanxiangzi Chinese original: Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Zizhan', art name 'Dongpo') English translation & annotation: Julia Min (Feb. 2025) A farewell toast to the spring season, An ancient grief on fallen crimsons.  In a poor sap invisible on the margin, A heart drains away, not to mention the sorrows coupled at a Chu town by a tune chasing on the flute and Qin!   On the Homeview stage, all music ends. The vibe lingers, stirring homesick longing. For an outcast forgotten, not yet pardoned, The view is more evident in the distance; Every inch of his burning expectation Has now turned into cold ash of incense.. from Bilibili (哔哩哔哩） For appreciation: This poem reveals Dongpo's despairing moments as an outcast in Huangzhou. The longer he stayed here, the less hope he felt of being called back to the Court. The first stanza concerns his career, while the second stanza concerns his family's return to his hometown.   A unique way of intellectual entertainment at social gatherings in the Song Dynasty where a gentleman composed a poem with each line borrowed from a famous verse in history. It requires a good memory of many poems before you can spontaneously retailer them into a new poem serving a new theme. It is a very sophisticated effort that can be more difficult than creating a new piece in your own words.  Every line in this poem was borrowed except two linking words in the 1st stanza and two in the 2nd. The reader is tricked over familiar lines, but the rich association feels cleverly intertwined for a good laugh. The original lines came from eight poems by famous Tang Dynasty poets: Du Mu, Du Fu, Xu Hui, and Li Shangyin. 南乡子. 集句 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 怅望送春怀，渐老逢春能几回？花落楚城愁远别，伤怀 ；何况清丝急管吹！ 吟断望乡台，万里归心独上来。景物登临闲时见，徘徊；一寸相思一寸灰！ reference: 1.baike.baidu.com

My Sick Recovery to Early Spring --to the tune of “A Patch of Flowers” written by Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Dongpo') En. trans. by Julia Min (Mar.2025) This spring comes early to a world of snow, Hard to see but her east wind starts to blow. She gives subtle signs with pussy willows, And gentle grace even on drums and bells. Only one quilt can keep me warm in bed, Tho’ the night feels like winter long n cold.   When the town’s still dreaming in misty air, A new sun rises, biting the tip of the hill. Peach and apricot boughs will sprout out there. The juice for spring outings will boil bubbles.  There’ll be nothing for me, sick and weak. I’ll keep the bed from running away at home.       photo by Cathy Hampton For Appreciation: This poem offers a unique perspective to appreciate the coming of a new spring from a 40-year-old man recovering in his sickbed. A cheerful vibe dances in the air as a new sun rises, bringing new hope for himself after enduring a long illness, and for the townspeople who embrace the traditional spirit of spring outings to the countryside after a long and cold winter. It was the year 1076 when he served as the governor of Mizhou ( in today’s Zhucheng City, Shandong Province). The ending lines show a restrained self-pity revealed with a sense of humor. The readership can’t help but feeling sorry for a man with such romantic sentiments who had to see himself confined to his sickbed, totally out of the picture in the spring landscape. Well, at least he found solace in composing this ci-poem.   一丛花·初春病起 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 英译及赏析: 闵晓红(2025) 今年春浅腊侵年， 冰雪破春妍。 东风有信无人见， 露微意、柳际花边。 寒夜纵长，孤衾易暖， 钟鼓渐清圆。   朝来初日半衔山， 楼阁淡疏烟。 游人便作寻芳计， 小桃杏、应已争先。 衰病少悰，疏慵自放， 惟爱日高眠 Reference: baike.baidu.com

Royal Banquet on Lantern Festival Chinese original: Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Zizhan', art name 'Dongpo') English translation & annotation: Julia Min (Feb. 2025) Gathered around Palace Jianzhang, The moon and stars begin to fade. A gentle wind down the censer sends A scent with only Heaven it associates. At Bright Hall courtiers craned their heads, like a red cloud tending Palace of Jade. from bakke.baidu.com For appreciation: Su Shi crafted this 4-line, one stanza poem (jueju 绝句) in response to the Emperor's request for a poem on a festive occasion. In 1093, he was called to the Court from Yangzhou. At that time, he served as the Minister of the Military Department and was newly appointed as the Minister of Rite. As the Emperor's favored courtier once more, he was experiencing a gratifying moment near the Throne. The poem is a simple piece of praise, yet it captures the vibrant atmosphere of the Bright Hall and offers a glimpse into how courtiers attended to the Throne—a portrayal of a unified central government during a flourishing era of the Song Dynasty. It was a joyful world akin to Heaven. 上元侍宴 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 淡月疏星绕建章， 仙风吹下御炉香。 侍臣鹄立通明殿， 一朵红云捧玉皇。 reference: 1.baike.baidu.com

Flaky Delight Chinese original: Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Zizhan', art name 'Dongpo') English translation & annotation: Julia Min (Feb. 2025) With a gourd bottle on my thigh, Without any care in my mind, I sat down for a sip of wine to flowers blooming in the wild. Pan’s water wine kills my daytime; Now I desire your Flaky Delight. from wapbaike.baidu.com (“舌尖上的苏东坡”） Analysis:   There’s an interesting story behind this little poem. One day Su Shi was invited to a dinner hosted by Scholar Ho at Huangzhou. A local pastry was served for tea. Dongpo really loved the flaky flavor and asked Ho: “what’s the name and how they made it so flaky. It’s delightful.” Ho replied: “It doesn’t have a name, but now it does. You’ve given it one. How about ‘Flaky Delight’?” Then Ho served Dongpo with a local rice wine from Pan’s, Su Shi tasted it and laughed: “Pan must have mixed it with water by mistake.” His humour was shared by other quests, hence Pan’s wine was named ‘Water Wine’. This poem was likely written when he was enjoying a carefree moment before his favorite capapple tree at Huangzhou, a very poor period when he could hardly afford enough food for his family. He loved drinking a bit of wine, and got used to Pan’s Water Wine. The flaky pastry has become a famous local specialty in the name of ‘Dongpo’s Flaky Delight’ which you can buy from the local supermarket today.   The first impression of the poem seems pretty plain like many art pieces from the Song Dynasty. The hidden message could be profound depending on the reader’s understanding of the poet. Su Shi became famous ever since he was 21 years old. His works were widely sought after. Even his political opponent Wang Anshi would keep asking for his new creation. Imagine how his political oppenents would feel after reading this one, maybe they would say: Okay he’s cast aside from any official work at Huangzhou, doing nothing at all there. Let him stay just like that. I can carry out The New Law without interference.   Su Shi knew this poem could also serve as a satire to his ambition to achieve more for the people. Wandering without a care in the world is surely not what he’s after.  A bit dark humour in the taste, do you agree? 为甚酥诗 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 野饮花前百事无，腰间唯系一葫芦。 已倾潘子错注水，更觅君家为甚酥。

惜春悯秋歌 （2021.9有感于高尔夫球场关闭） 作者：悯秋 春到袋鼠岛， 不见游春潮。 球场都关闭， 鸟兽来筑巢。   后院勤练习， 切杆碎玻璃； 推杆地毯缓， 挥杆不知远。   新冠何时了？ 神仙不知晓。 人类不醒悟， 天帝也发怒。   长江水倒流， 台风往北走； 核潜艇得订， 贸易战不停。   中秋还未到， 封城已六遭。 花好月也圆， 离合品悲欢。   新冠已征服， 地球五大陆。 惜春春即去， 悯秋秋已暮。

Riding the Rapids on Spring River -to the tune of Xingxiangzi Chinese original: Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Zizhan', art name 'Dongpo') English translation & annotation: Julia Min (Dec. 2024)   One little canoe with two little paddles Stirred the blue mirror of Spring River. The wild geese, startled, lift wings to air. Waking small fish dreaming in algae near. To the misty bank ahead flocked the herons To see our bumpy ride on the white waters Through the morning frost of a sandy dale Into a serene moon river of smooth crystal.   Beyond, a skyline of cascade mountains, -- A stream of screen art at each winding turn. No wonder Lord Yan Lin secluded in here, Immune to the promise of glory from Emperor. There’s nothing like everchanging mountains -- When clear, eyes can reach lands of wonder; When cloudy, crest’s a stage for drifting drama; When day breaks, it’s blue haven, serene and fair. Notes: 1. Lord Yan Lin, social name Ziling, assisted Liu Xiu (Emperor Guangwu of the East Han dynasty) in ascending the Throne. As he harbored no interest in political ambitions, he changed his name and identity to embrace a life of seclusion here at this Spring River ( 富春江 ). The emperor valued Ziling's talents and personality, wanting to have him at his Court. Artists were dispatched to draw Yan Ziling's portrait, which was then posted far and wide in search of him. Subsequently, reports from the state of Qi indicated a man fishing in marshes while clad in a sheepskin robe. Liu Xiu suspected this was Yan Ziling and promptly dispatched envoys to summon him with carriages and gifts. Despite these efforts, Yan Ziling declined all the offers, determined to remain secluded on this beautiful Spring River. Analysis:   This little poem reads like a movie streaming before your mind’s eye – from a peaceful water surface on higher terrain down through a rapid flow of white waters on the sand river to a serene world of seclusion. It’s like a life cycle, transforming yin and yang from peace to chaos and back to peace.   After the water subject, the poem shifts to mountains in the second stanza. Mountains and rivers are another yin-yang combination of static and mobile, often appearing in Chinese paintings. Referring to the well-known story of Yan Ziling brings focus to Su Shi’s theme—the classical argument about whether to live for glory or peace.   The Song artists embraced blue and green colors in landscape painting. There’s a film just released in October in the name of Just Green and Blue (《只此青绿》) I have loved it ever since the story first appeared in the form of stage dance. Song’s art looks simple, even pretty common to the eye, but enduring as it embodies a complexity of ideas/philosophies beyond.   To enrich your understanding, you may find more pleasure in his other poem about a rapids’ ride --“The 100-Step River Rapids’ Ride” (《百步洪》), which can be found on this website.   行香子 . 过七里濑 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 一叶舟轻，双桨鸿惊。 水天青，影湛波平。 鱼翻藻鉴，鹭点烟汀。 过沙溪急，霜溪冷，月溪明。    重重似画，曲曲如屏。 算当年，虚老严陵。 君臣一梦，今古空名。 但远山长，云山乱，晓山青。 Reference: 1. https://wgly-hangzhou-gov-cn   picture from Google

Eating Lychee at Huizhou Chinese original: Su Shi (11th AC, social name 'Zizhan', art name 'Dongpo') English translation & annotation: Julia Min (Jan. 2025) Here is a world of spring for all seasons, Where loquat and bayberries swell in turn. I could eat hundreds of lichees as day food, And live in the south at Mt Luofu for good. Analysis:   Nothing in life seemed able to torture Su Shi long enough before he could find solace in food. When he was finally released from prison and banished to Huangzhou during Chinese New Year in 1080, he wrote:   “ Oh well, the Yangtse embraces the town in a loop, Where the river fish should taste just as good. There are also bamboo groves over the hills, Where I should find many sweet and earthy shoots.”   Now, he was banished even further to Huizhou near the southern border in 1094. Such a penalty was generally regarded as a death sentence. Yet, the 57-year-old Dongpo revived again, enjoying fresh local produce that could make some people in the capital jealous. Lychee fruit had been a popular hint of royal luxury ever since the story about the royal consort Yang, Yuhuan of the Tang Dynasty was exposed in poetry.   What can you do to a great mind like Su Shi? As a result, his opponent party in power was at their wits’ end towards his increasing popularity and influence among the gentle society with his great spirit, his sense of intellectual humour, and, of course, his artistic works, among which poems and prose went off like fire across the country. In fact, they became so jealous of him that they banished him to the ‘End of World’ – Hainan Island, hoping to silence him once and for all.   Judging from the situation, he could indeed write it for his readers in the middle land, or more specifically, the Emperor, reporting his life from thousands of miles away. The last two lines have become fa mous quotations, where many commented that he showed a strong Daoist desire for a country life like the great poet Tao Yuanmin. 食荔枝 原作: 苏轼（字子瞻, 号东坡居士; 11世纪北宋） 罗浮山下四时春，卢橘杨梅次第新。 日啖荔枝三百颗，不辞长作岭南人。