In Chinese society venerable (literally “old”) has a very good meaning. Teacher, wife, boss all include this title. It is a culture that recognizes the challenges of living to be old and understood that a certain amount of knowledge and experience is garnered along the way meriting some respect. Quite a contrast with modern society that values new and young over old and exists on ‘fast food”.
Thinking of Xin in South Pavilion on a Summer’s Day
Meng HaoranMountain glow sudden west set
Pond moon gradually east up
Loose hair enjoy evening cool
Open window lie idle spacious
Lotus wind carry scent air
Banboo dew drip clear sound
Wish fetch sound qin pluck
Regret not perceive sound appreciate
Feel this think of old friend
Whole night labour dream thinkThe glow on western mountains quickly sets,
The moon is climbing over the eastern lake.
My hair loose, I enjoy the evening cool,
I lie in peace before the open window.
The wind spreads lotus scent all through the air,
The sound of dripping bamboo dew is clear.
Although I’d like to fetch my qin and play,
To my regret, there is no-one to hear.
So touched by this, I think of my old friend,
Throughout the night, I’m troubled by my dreams.
One of my favorite bands back when I was starting to get deep into music was Genesis. They combined fine versatile progressive rock musicianship with Peter Gabriel’s poetic vision and bizarre sense of humor into some wonderful music. Many people don’t know that Phil Collinswas a really top notch jazz drummer before getting behind the microphone and becoming a pop star. The Battle of Epping Forest is a great piece of music. The tree led me to the forest of course…
