Critique on Comrade Hu Qiaomu's Draft of Twenty-Seven Poems and Lyrics [1]
(September 5th, 15th, 1965)

Comrade Kangsheng [3] to Comrade Qiaomu:

These lyrics [4] I have read many times, and they are very good. I approve of this version you have revised. I have only slightly altered a few characters [1], I don't know if they are appropriate, please decide for yourself. First publish in *Hongqi* (Red Flag), then *People's Daily* reprint [2], please Kangsheng discuss with Boda and Leng Xi [3] to handle.

Mao Zedong
September 5th

Comrade Kangsheng to Comrade Qiaomu:

The deletions and revisions are very good, it can be finalized. I have made a few more alterations to individual words and phrases [1], please consider. There are also some words and phrases that seem suitable for further thought and revision [2]. If inappropriate, then keep the original. Only the phrase "Nan Zhen Yang" (南针仰, look up to the south-pointing needle) must be changed [3].

Mao Zedong
3:00 AM, September 15th

Some places are still somewhat obscure [1], middle school students will not understand. The lyrics written by the various masters of the Tang, Five Dynasties, and Northern Song dynasties, as well as some people of the Southern Song dynasty, are mostly easy to understand. [2]

We must create new words, but things like "heaven" and "rainbow skirts" should not be used frequently. [3]

Good revisions. [1]

Good lines! [2]

[1] Hu Qiaomu was then an alternate member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, Deputy Director of the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Mao Zedong's secretary.
[2] This article is first, Mao Zedong's comments written on the draft of twenty-seven lyrics sent by Hu Qiaomu for review. Second, Mao Zedong's comments written on Hu Qiaomu's letter to Kangsheng on September 10th for sending twenty-six poems and lyrics for review. The letter said that the twenty-seven lyrics were mostly hastily written. After Chairman Mao's revisions, I made some revisions and planned to delete the four *Ding Feng Bo* (定风波, Settling the Waves) poems *Reading the Newspaper* (平淡而又过时, 改不好, Plain and outdated, difficult to revise) and the last two of the six *Sheng Zha Zi* (生查子, Song of the Mulberry Picker) poems *Family Letter* (有些酸气, somewhat sentimental). In addition, I recently wrote five regulated poems, wanting to add them to the end, although they are also somewhat obscure, they are fresher in time, I don't know if they are usable? Please review and correct them together, and forward them to the Chairman on my behalf. Third, Mao Zedong's comments written on the left side of the two *Liu Zhou Ge Tou* (六州歌头, Ballad of Six Prefectures) poems *New Year 1965* on September 5th, 1965. Fourth, Mao Zedong's comments written below the *Xiao Chong Shan* (小重山, Little Mountain Range) poem *Gift to Island Soldiers* on September 15th, 1965. Fifth, Mao Zedong's comments written on the left side of the *Nian Nu Jiao* (念奴娇, Charm of a Beauty) poem *Rereading Lei Feng's Diary* on the same day. Sixth, Mao Zedong's comments written on the right side of the fourth *Seven-Character Regulated Verse* (七律, Qilu) poem *July 1st Sentiments* on the same day.
[3] Kangsheng was then an alternate member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee.
[4] Refers to the twenty-seven lyrics written by Hu Qiaomu.