1. Poetry: The sunflowers in the green garden are waiting for the morning dew and the setting sun. In the spring of Budeze, all things will be radiant. I am often afraid that when the autumn festival comes, the yellow flowers and leaves will wither. From the east to the sea, when will the rivers return to the west? If a young man does not work hard, the old man will be miserable.
From: Han Dynasty·Anonymous "Long Song Xing"
Interpretation: The sunflowers in the garden are lush and green, and the crystal dew is waiting for the sun to shine. Spring brings sunshine and rain to the earth, making all things lively and prosperous. I am often afraid that the chilling autumn will come, and the leaves will turn yellow and the grass will wither. Hundreds of rivers are rushing eastward to the sea. When can they return to the west again? If you don’t work hard when you are young and strong, it will be useless to be sad when you are old.
2. Poetry: The lights are on at three o’clock and the chickens are on at five o’clock, which is when men are studying. Black-haired people don't know how to study hard early, and white-haired people regret studying late.
From: "Encouraging Learning" by Yan Zhenqing of the Tang Dynasty
Explanation: From midnight to the time when the rooster crows every day, it is the best time for boys to study. When I was young, I only knew how to play and didn't know how to study hard. When I get older, I regret why I didn't know how to study hard when I was young.
3. Poetry: It is easy for a young man to learn from an old man, but it is difficult for him to succeed, and an inch of time cannot be taken lightly. Before I realized the dream of spring grass in the pond, the phoenix leaves in front of the steps already sounded the sound of autumn.
From: Song Dynasty·Zhu Xi's "Poems to Encourage Learning/Occasionally"
Interpretation: Youthful days are very easy to pass away, but learning is difficult to achieve success, so every inch of time must be cherished. Can't let it go easily. Before I could wake up from the sweet dream of spring grass growing in the pond, the leaves of the sycamore tree in front of the steps were already rustling in the autumn wind.
4. Verse: Why is there no end to poverty? The chaos is the same as the tranquility. Although his family is in a war zone, his brother and nephew often practice rituals and music. The shadow of bamboo on the window shakes on the desk, and the sound of wild spring flows into the inkstone pond. Young people work hard all their lives, and don't waste time and effort.
From: Tang Dynasty·Du Xunhe's "Inscription on My Brother and Nephew's School"
Interpretation: Although I live in a simple house, my knowledge has not decreased. I am still the same as before, even though the outside is already dark. There were wars. Although there is a war in my hometown, my brother and nephew are still receiving the enlightenment of Confucianism. The shadow of the bamboo outside the window is still swaying on the desk, and the ink in the inkstone seems to make the tinkling sound of wild spring water.
The efforts you make when you are young are important things that are beneficial to your life. Don’t relax your efforts at all in the face of the passing time.
5. Poetry: If you want to know that dying at the end of your life is like going to prey on a snake. Half of the scales are gone, no one can cover them. If you want to tie it to its tail, you know what you can do despite your diligence. The children were forced not to sleep, but stayed together all night and had a good time. Don't sing the rooster in the morning, and be afraid of the drums even more. After sitting for a long time, the lights dimmed and I watched the Beidou tilt. There won't be a year next year. I'm afraid that my worries will be wasted. If you work hard today, you can still be proud of the young man.
From: "Shou Sui" by Su Shi of the Song Dynasty
Interpretation: You must know that the age when you are about to say goodbye is like a long snake swimming into a secluded ravine. Half of the long scales are gone. Who can stop the desire to leave! What's more, trying to tie its tail end, despite my diligence, I know there is no way. The children struggled hard without sleeping and stayed with each other laughing and making noise at night. Morning rooster, please don't crow, the drums urging you are frightening.
After sitting there for a long time, the lanterns were falling, and when I stood up, I saw that the Big Dipper had tilted sideways. Will there be no New Year's Eve next year? I'm just afraid that my worries will go wrong again. Try to cherish this night, and the young man can still boast of his spirit.