–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.
Mao Zedong – December 1961 (Reading Lu You’s Ode to the Plum Blossom, I reverse its mood) Wind and rain have sent spring on its way;Flying snow ushers spring back to stay.Hundreds of feet of ice cling to the cliff’s steep face –Yet still a blossom blooms, with graceful grace.