Minxi Sha [1] · Responding to Mr. Liu Yazi
(October 1950)
On the National Day of 1950, while watching a play, Mr. Liu Yazi composed *Dianxi Sha* extemporaneously. Therefore, I follow his rhyme to respond.

The long night makes it hard to see the dawn in the Red Land [2],
For a hundred years, demons and monsters have danced, drooling [3],
Five hundred million people are not united.
Once the golden rooster crows, all under heaven turns white [4],
The myriad regions [5] happily play music like in Yu-tian [6],
The poet's exhilaration [7] is unprecedented in history.

[1]
*Dianxi Sha* is the name of a *ci* tune, a melody from the Tang Dynasty's Jiaofang (music school).
[2]
Red Land: During the Warring States period, China was called the Red Land Divine Continent.
[3]
*Pianxian*: Describes the light and graceful appearance of dancing.
[4]
"Once the golden rooster crows, all under heaven turns white": From Li He's "An Invitation to Wine." "The golden rooster crows once, and all under heaven turns white."
[5]
Myriad regions: In ancient times, countries and tribes were called *fang*. The *Book of Changes* mentions "Ghost Regions."
[6]
Yu-tian: The name of a Western Regions kingdom during the Han Dynasty, located in present-day Xinjiang.
[7]
Exhilaration: Interest, enthusiasm.

Attached: Mr. Liu Yazi's original poem

Trees of fire and flowers of silver light up the night sky,
Brothers and sisters dance in theatrical performances,
Songs resound until the moon is full [1].
It is not one person who can lead,
How could the hundred ethnicities be allowed to gather proudly [2]?
This fine evening's grand gathering is unprecedented.

[1]
There is a Kazakh folk song and dance in Xinjiang called "Full Moon."
[2]
*Jiaoge*: To gather, to assemble.