–Mao Zedong, January 9, 1963
So small this earthly ball –
A few flies dash at walls.
They buzz and brawl,
Some shrill and squall,
Some whimper, appall.
Ants climb a locust tree, boasting a mighty state;
Giant ants shake a tree – how vain, how preposterate!
When west winds blow, leaves fall on Chang’an old gate;
We loose whistling arrows, swift and predestinate.
So many deeds cry out to be done,
And always urgently run;
Heaven turns, earth wheels on,
Time presses, won’t wait long.
Ten thousand years are far too long;
Seize the day, seize the hour strong!
Four seas heave, clouds and waters in fury throng;
Five continents shake, storms and gales surge strong.
We sweep all pests and vicious throng –
Invincible, ever, forever strong!
Note
Composed amid the Sino-Soviet split, Western imperialist blockades, and a fierce international anti-China ideological campaign (1960–1963). It was written in reply to a poem by Guo Moruo published on New Year’s Day 1963. Mao’s work expresses defiance, revolutionary urgency, and total confidence in defeating hostile forces.
Manjianghong (“The River All Red”):
A classic cipai, a fixed lyrical tune pattern. It is vigorous, bold, and warlike, often used for heroic, defiant, or patriotic themes.
Guo Moruo (1892–1978):
Prominent modern writer, historian, and political figure. He wrote the original Manjianghong (titled Ode to the Leader) to praise Mao and China’s resolve; Mao “replied” with this stronger, more defiant version.
Enemies Symbolized:
Flies, ants, giant ants, pests: Metaphors for Soviet revisionists, Western imperialists, and reactionary forces that opposed China.
So small this earthly ball:
Mao’s cosmic perspective: the Earth is tiny; hostile forces are insignificant.
Flies dash at walls:
Satire: enemies are futile, noisy, and self-destructive.
Ants climb a locust tree, boasting a mighty state:
Allusion to the Tang legend The Nanke Dream: A man dreams of ruling a “great kingdom” inside an anthill. Mocks small powers that claim greatness.
Giant ants shake a tree:
From Tang poet Han Yu: “Giant ants shake a giant tree – laughable overconfidence.” Condemns forces that try to weaken China.
West winds blow, leaves fall on Chang’an:
From Tang poet Jia Dao: “Autumn winds rise on Wei River; leaves fill Chang’an.” Symbolizes decline of reactionary forces.
Loose whistling arrows:
Whistling arrows: Ancient war arrows that made sound. Represents China’s ideological counterattack.
Ten thousand years are too long; seize the day, seize the hour:
Mao’s most famous line on urgency: revolution and construction cannot wait; act now.
Four seas heave; five continents shake:
Global revolutionary upsurge: metaphor for worldwide anti-imperialist, anti-revisionist movements.
Pests/vicious insects:
Contemptuous term for all reactionary, anti-China forces.
Invincible:
Final declaration: China and revolutionary forces are unbeatable.
Political Allegory (1963)
- Flies/ants/pests: Soviet revisionism + Western imperialism
- Whistling arrows: China’s ideological counteroffensive
- Seize the day: Urgency for socialist construction & struggle
- Invincible: Confidence in final victory
《满江红-和郭沫若同志》
小小寰球，有几个苍蝇碰壁。
嗡嗡叫，几声凄厉，几声抽泣。
蚂蚁缘槐夸大国，蚍蜉撼树谈何易。
正西风落叶下长安，飞鸣镝。
多少事，从来急；
天地转，光阴迫。
一万年太久，只争朝夕。
四海翻腾云水怒，五洲震荡风雷激。
要扫除一切害人虫，全无敌。
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