Hello, everyone! I'm the Chinese Poetry Ambassador Sebastian W. Escudero. I come from Argentina. I am currently studying in the International Department of Beijing Chaoyang Fangcaodi International School. My mother is Chinese, and my father is Argentine. I have recently studied "Bamboo in the Rock", "The Far, Far Cowherd Star", "Horse Poems", as well as "The River All Red". Today I will recite Yue Fei's "The River All Red" for everyone.
"The River All Red", Yue Fei (Song Dynasty). Wrath sets on end my hair. I lean on railings where I see the drizzling rain has ceased. Raising my eyes. Towards the skies. I heave long sighs. My wrath not yet appeased. To dust is gone the fame achieved in thirty years. Like cloud‑veiled moon the thousand‑mile Plain disappears. Should youthful heads in vain turn grey. We would regret for aye. Lost our capitals. What a burning shame! How can we generals. Quench our vengeful flame! Driving our chariots of war, we'd go. To break through our relentless foe. Valiantly we'd cut off each head. Laughing, we'd drink the blood they shed. When we've reconquered our lost land. In triumph would return our army grand.
I picked Yue Fei's "The River All Red" because I am deeply moved by Yue Fei's blazing patriotism and soaring heroic spirit. The poem is stirring and solemn. Heroic and stirring. It expresses the loyalty to country and devotion to family, while also reminding us not to waste our youthful years. Filled with powerful emotion, this ci poem inspires people's spirits. In my heart, it is the classic work that best embodies devotion to one's homeland.
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.
