He zhangzhi
Jasper dressed up as a tree,
Ten thousand tapestries covered with green silk,
I don't know who cut off the thin leaves,
The spring breeze in February is like scissors.
[Notes]
1. Jasper: Jade with bright green color. Here is a metaphor for the bright green willow leaves in spring.
2. Make-up: Decorate and dress up.
3. Silk tapestry: Ribbon woven with silk thread. What is described here is the willow branches fluttering in the wind.
[Brief analysis]
This is an object-chanting poem, which expresses the poet's infinite love for spring by praising willow trees.
The first three sentences of this poem are all about willows. The first sentence "Jasper makes the tree high" refers to the whole, saying that the high willow is made of Jasper. Use "Jasper" to describe the green crystal of willow and highlight its color beauty. The second sentence, "A tapestry of ten thousand strands of moss hangs down", is about willow branches, saying that drooping willow branches are like ten thousand ribbons, highlighting their gentle beauty. The third sentence "I don't know who cut the thin leaves" is to write willow leaves, highlighting the delicate and delicate modeling beauty of willow leaves. The three poems are divided into different parts, and each sentence has its own characteristics. The third sentence and the fourth sentence constitute rhetorical questions. "I wonder who cut the thin leaves?" -ask yourself; "The spring breeze in February is like scissors." -self-answer. This question and answer, from willow cleverness to spring breeze. It is said that cutting out these delicate willow leaves can certainly cut out bright green and bright red flowers and plants. It symbolizes the vitality of nature and the creativity of spring. This poem eulogizes the infinite creativity of spring by praising the willow tree.
About the author: He (659-744) was born in Yongxing, Yuezhou (now Xiaoshan County, Zhejiang Province). Poets in Tang Dynasty.