–Mao Zedong – Summer 1934
Dawn breaks o’er eastern sky;
Think not you’re first to rise and try.
We’ve trod green hills, yet never old;
This scene outshines all sights untold.
Beyond Huichang the tall peaks stand,
Stretching straight to the eastern strand.
Our soldiers point to southern land:
More lush, more green, more grand.
Note
In October 1933. Jiang Jieshi launched his fifth “Encirclement” campaign against the Red area centered on Ruijin in Jiangxi Province. It lasted a whole year. and the Red Army had to withdraw from its base and begin its long march to the northwest. In July 1934. Mao Zedong came to Huichang, southwest of Ruijin, ascended on the morning of July 23 the high peaks outside the Huichang walls and took a survey of the route to be followed by the Red Army in its long march.
Mao wrote the poem in the summer of 1934 in Huichang, Jiangxi, shortly before the start of the Long March. Though under political pressure at that time, he remained optimistic and firm in revolutionary faith.
Ci Poetry: Pure Serene Music (Qing Ping Le)
A typical cipai (tune name) in classical Chinese poetry, brief and melodic, suitable for expressing broad vision and calm determination.
Huichang
A county in southern Jiangxi, part of the Central Revolutionary Base Area. The poem reflects the Red Army’s situation and spirit on the eve of the Long March.
Landscape poetry with revolutionary spirit
A style that combines natural scenery with revolutionary will, expressing optimism and confidence through descriptions of mountains and forests.
Dawn breaks o’er eastern sky
Symbolizes the coming of light and hope for the revolution.
Never old
Expresses persistent revolutionary spirit and youthful vitality despite long years of fighting.
This scene outshines all sights untold
Praise for the revolutionary base areas and confidence in the future path.
Lush and green
Metaphor for vigorous revolutionary momentum and bright prospects.
清平乐-会昌
毛泽东, 一九三四年夏
东方欲晓，
莫道君行早。
踏遍青山人未老，
风景这边独好。
会昌城外高峰，
颠连直接东溟。
战士指看南粤，
更加郁郁葱葱。
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