Share your favorite poems on World Poetry Day

Editor’s Note:

Sometimes, a poem is all it takes to explain complicated feelings and to motivate you in the right direction. You might have chanced upon a poem, in which the verses and everything in between felt like exactly what you needed at that moment, and more!

As we mark World Poetry Day, we asked some Tsinghua students what their favorite poems were and why. Here is what they had to say:   

A poem is not only just words on a page, but carefully selected words the poet uses to appeal to our senses as well as to let us discover deeper meaning embedded in the text. One of my favorite poets is Wilhelm Müller, who had written his poems to music by famous composers like Franz Schubert.

I first listened to the sung version of ‘Whither?’ during my music class in high school. I was immediately captivated by the beautiful writing and compelling imagery of the text, which led me on a journey to discover more of Müller’s poetry.

One of the reasons that I relate to this poem is that it focuses on keeping a perspective in our own lives, that goals and ambitions are what we want to achieve as individuals but the future also can bring fear in the present moment. I hope in sharing this poem, others can enjoy Müller’s work in their own unique way.

I chanced upon this poem when I was trying to make an important decision in my life. I decided to follow my heart in the end despite it not being a popular choice. The poem gave me the courage to do what I really wanted to do, and I have to say I have no regrets.

I love the poem’s last line, “I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.” I believe there is value in exploring a different path and following your heart. This is the poem I fall back onto whenever I am faced with difficult choices.

This short poem is a delightful piece featuring the simplicity of the natural world. With the use of personification, the poet shows how a little stone leads a life without having to worry or fear. Being shaped naturally by the action of the universe, the stone is unaware that it is fulfilling its destiny: it simply is.

I also love how the poem reminds us that sometimes we should take a break and not overthink since worrying too much about earthly things could cause great distress. To me, the poem serves as a reminder that things always happen for a reason, whether you like it or not - accept all things with an open heart as Mother Nature always has her way. I highly encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate and reflect on this short but beautiful poem.

When I come across poems that appeal to me, I keep them in the back of my mind and recall them from time to time. One such poem is “A Night of Counting the Stars.”  I burst into tears every time I read it. The poem, deeply beloved by Koreans, is the work of the famous poet Yun Dong-ju. It was written during the Japanese colonial period, and as a poem of resistance, it brought encouragement, inspiration and comfort to countless people in a dark time.

The poem’s short but powerful lines showcase delicate human emotions vividly and send out a strong message that “the pen is mightier than the sword.” When I have a lot going on in my mind or when I am going through hard times, I look up at the sky and recall this poem. Counting the stars as the poet did, I tell myself that “spring will come around to my star after winter.” His verse gives me encouragement and a strong sense of comfort. I believe that reading Yun Don-Ju’s poetry can console people and provide them with the courage to overcome their difficulties.

Spring is often vibrant and hopeful in our impression, but the poem “Spring View" portrays an unusual spiritless spring in a turbulent period — a time when the country was racked by war and people were suffering. As I read the poem, I was deeply moved by the strong feelings evoked by its lines. Du Fu has depicted a vivid picture of ordinary people’s misery with great compassion, even if he was going through family separations, sickness, and poverty himself. Moreover, his thought-provoking words ignited me to reflect on the rise and fall of politics. There is no unparalleled figure that embodies the emotion and moral sensibility of a whole civilization.

Du Fu is honored as one of the most prominent poets in China, and his poems are hailed as "poetic history". Reading his masterpieces might be a great way to learn more about ancient China.

Scan the QR code to get a beautiful poem and mark your own World Poetry Day. 

Feel free to share your favorite poem with us in the comments below. 

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