Ode to the Plum Blossom
—to the tune of *Bu Suan Zi*
(December 1961)

Reading Lu You’s *Ode to the Plum Blossom*, I composed this in counterpoint to its theme.

Wind and rain escort spring away,
Flying snow welcomes spring’s return.
On cliffs already sheathed in hundred-foot ice,
A blossoming branch still stands graceful and fair.

Graceful and fair, yet it vies not for spring,
Only heralding spring’s arrival.
When mountain flowers bloom in glorious profusion,
She smiles among them, serene.

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**Appendix: Lu You’s Original Poem**
*Ode to the Plum Blossom*
—to the tune of *Bu Suan Zi*

Beyond the post station, by the broken bridge,
Lonely it blooms, unclaimed.
Already sorrowful alone at dusk,
It endures further wind and rain.

With no intent to bitterly contend for spring,
It lets the other blossoms scatter as they may.
Fallen to earth, ground into dust,
Only its fragrance lingers as before.