–Mao Zedong – December 1963
I still recall those years, swift as wind o’er grass we flew,
In Red Army ranks, though often parted, our bond grew.
The Long March was not the hardest trial we knew;
The fight for Jinzhou proved the greater test to subdue.
Sparrows often mock the eagle’s lofty view;
Barnyard fowl sneer at the hawk’s courage true.
Alas, you’ve left this mortal world, our comrade true;
When state doubts arise, to whom can we turn to?
Note
Composed after the death of Marshal Luo Ronghuan (December 16, 1963). Mao was deeply grieved and wrote this poem late at night. It is Mao’s only formal elegy for a revolutionary comrade, expressing profound grief, high praise for Luo’s loyalty and integrity, and sorrow at the loss of a trusted advisor.
Seven-Syllable Poem:
A strict classical Chinese poetic form with 8 lines, 7 characters each, tonal patterns, and parallelism in middle couplets (lines 3–4, 5–6).
Luo Ronghuan (1902–1963):
- One of the Ten Marshals of the PRC.
- Joined Mao in the Autumn Harvest Uprising (1927) and marched to Jinggangshan (Jinggang Mountain).
- The only marshal with a background in political work; founder of the PLA’s political-ideological system.
- Known for unwavering loyalty, strong principles, and selflessness. Mao called him “a lifelong colleague”.
“Birds” as Metaphors:
- Eagle/Hawk: Symbolizes Luo Ronghuan and true revolutionaries – lofty, principled, far-sighted.
- Sparrows/Barnyard Fowl: Represents small-minded critics, opportunists, and wrong-line elements who mocked true revolutionaries.
“Swift as wind o’er grass we flew”:
Allusion to a poem attributed to rebel leader Huang Chao (Tang Dynasty): “I remember when I flew across the grass”. Mao uses it to describe Red Army mobility and guerrilla swiftness.
“Often parted in Red Army ranks”:
Refers to separations during long military campaigns; also implies honest disagreements on strategy (Luo dared to voice differing views).
“Long March not the hardest trial”:
The Long March was arduous, but not the ultimate test of loyalty and principle.
“Fight for Jinzhou the greater test”:
Battle of Jinzhou (1948), a decisive Liaoshen Campaign battle. Luo firmly supported Mao’s strategy; others (including Lin Biao) hesitated. This proved Luo’s unwavering loyalty to correct lines.
“Sparrows mock the eagle”:
From Zhuangzi: A sparrow mocks a roc (giant bird) for flying high. Mocks petty critics of great men.
“Barnyard fowl sneer at the hawk”:
From classical texts: Common fowl laugh at the eagle’s nobility. Condemns shallow, conformist critics of true revolutionaries.
“When state doubts arise, to whom can we turn?”:
Climax of grief: Mao’s deep trust in Luo’s wisdom and integrity – Luo was irreplaceable as a counselor.
Political & Personal Meaning
- Tribute to Loyalty: Praises Luo’s steadfastness in crises and resistance to pressure.
- Critique of Opportunism: Condemns those who betray principles or mock true revolutionaries.
- Personal Grief: Expresses Mao’s sorrow at losing a lifelong, trusted friend.
《七律-吊罗荣桓同志》
记得当年草上飞，
红军队里每相违。
长征不是难堪日，
战锦方为大问题。
斥鷃每闻欺大鸟，
昆鸡长笑老鹰非。
君今不幸离人世，
国有疑难可问谁？
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