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The River All Red – In Reply to Comrade Guo Moruo [Mao’s Poems]
–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.
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Seven-Character Octave – Winter Clouds [Mao’s Poems]
–Mao Zedong, December 26, 1962 Snow weighs on winter clouds; white downflakes fly,Myriad blooms fade fast, now rare and shy.High heaven’s icy currents roll and roar,Yet earth breathes soft warm winds, hope’s gentle core.
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Seven-Character Octave – In Reply to Comrade Guo Moruo [Mao’s Poems]
–Mao Zedong, November 17, 1961 Since storm and thunder first swept o’er the earth,Sprung evil sprites from piles of bones of dearth.The monk, misled, may yet be taught his worth;But fiends and ghosts must bring destruction’s mirth.
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Seven-Character Quatrain – Immortal Cave on Lushan [Mao’s Poems]
–Mao Zedong, September 9, 1961 Amid dusk’s haze stands the strong pine,Through wild cloud surges, calm it doth shine.A cave of immortals by nature’s design –All grandest sights on perilous peak align.
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Zhu Yuanzhang
Zhu Yuanzhang (1328–1398) was the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, reigning from 1368 to 1398. Born into extreme poverty in Zhongli, Haozhou (present-day Fengyang, Anhui Province), his original name was Zhu Chongba (or Xingzong), and his courtesy name was Guorui. After ascending the throne, he adopted the temple name Taizu (“Grand Progenitor”) and…