Hello everyone! I am an actor from the Beijing People's Art Theatre, and the Chinese Poetry Ambassador Yan Yansheng. Today, I'd like to recite a Song Ci poem Prelude to Water Melody for everyone.
Prelude to Water Melody, Su Shi (Song Dynasty). On the Mid-Autumn Festival, I drank happily till dawn, and wrote this in my cups while thinking of Ziyou. How long will the full moon appear. Wine cup in hand, I ask the sky. I do not know what time of the year, It would be tonight in the palace on high. Riding the wind, there I would fly. Yet I'm afraid the crystalline palace would be. Too high and cold for me. I rise and dance, with my shadow I play. On high as on earth, would it be as gay? The moon goes round the mansions red. Through gauze-draped window soft to shed. Her light upon the sleepless bed. Why then when people part, is the oft full and bright? Men have sorrow and joy; they part or meet again. The moon is bright or dim and she may wax or wane. There has been nothing perfect since the olden days. So let us wish that man. Will live long as he can. Though miles apart, we'll share the beauty she displays.
The poet Su Shi poured out his feelings gazing at the moon. Through the bright moon, he portrayed all human gatherings and separations. From the free-spirited journey of life, there emerges a broad-minded and unyielding character. Its artistic conception is ethereal, subtle and lingering.
We make friends through poetry and convey emotions with our voices. All international friends are welcome to join "ECHOES OF FRIENDSHIP" 2026 Chinese Poetry Recital by International Friends in Beijing.
Get to know China through poetry and fall in love with Beijing.
