Poem: "Mu Lan Hua Man (Nostalgia)"
Dynasty: Song Dynasty
Author: Huang Sheng
Content:
Spring is asked but remains silent,
In vain, the new green fills the fragrant city.
Remembering the past wanderings distinctly,
Gazing at flowers on the southern path,
Commanding wine in the western tower.
The emerald red encircles by the east wind,
Putting fame and glory aside with a smile.
In drunkenness, forgetting worldly matters,
Reciting poetry by the riverside, prideful and elegant.
Elegant and proud, never stop.
White hair gradually fills the head.
Regretfully returning after a decade,
Slightly lacking in joy, only leaving behind worries.
Affectionate towards people, seeming familiar,
Like young peaches and graceful, willowy willows.
Watching the setting sun beyond the broken glow,
Water and sky applaud as seagulls soar.

Chinese Translation:
诗词：《木兰花慢（怀旧）》
朝代：宋代
作者：黄升
内容：
问春春不语，谩新绿、满芳州。
记历历前游，看花南陌，命酒西楼。
东风翠红围绕，把功名、一笑付糟丘。
醉里了忘身世，吟边自负风流。
风流。莫莫复休休。白发渐盈头。
恨十载重来，略无欢意，惟有间愁。
多情向人似旧，但小桃、婀娜柳纤柔。
望断残霞落日，水天拍拍飞鸥。

Poetic Meaning and Appreciation:
This poem captures the feelings of nostalgia and a longing for the past. The speaker, reminiscent of previous springs, finds no response from the present one. Despite the blossoming greenery, the fragrant city lacks the charm and vitality of previous times. The speaker recalls vividly the past journeys and takes pleasure in admiring flowers along the southern path, while commanding wine in the western tower.

The vibrant description of the east wind encircling in emerald red signifies the speaker's detachment from worldly accomplishments and fame, with a carefree smile. In a state of drunkenness, the speaker forgets about worldly matters and confidently recites poetry by the riverside, displaying a sense of pride and elegance.

As the poem progresses, the speaker remarks on the passage of time and the inevitable signs of aging. The white hair gradually filling the head symbolizes the passing years. The return after a decade brings a sense of regret, as the joy and enthusiasm of youth are slightly diminished, leaving behind only worries.

The speaker's affectionate nature towards others is portrayed, appearing familiar like young peaches and graceful, willowy willows. The view of the setting sun and the broken glow signify the passing of time and the ephemeral nature of life. The water and sky applauding as seagulls soar evokes a sense of both admiration and farewell.

Overall, "Mu Lan Hua Man (Nostalgia)" captures the sentiment of longing for the past, the fleeting nature of time, and the beauty of nature. Through vivid imagery and introspective musings, the poem invites readers to reflect on the passage of time and the importance of cherishing moments of joy and connection.

mù lán huā màn huái jiù
木兰花慢（怀旧）
wèn chūn chūn bù yǔ, mán xīn lǜ mǎn fāng zhōu.
问春春不语，谩新绿、满芳州。
jì lì lì qián yóu, kàn huā nán mò, mìng jiǔ xī lóu.
记历历前游，看花南陌，命酒西楼。
dōng fēng cuì hóng wéi rào, bǎ gōng míng yī xiào fù zāo qiū.
东风翠红围绕，把功名、一笑付糟丘。
zuì lǐ le wàng shēn shì, yín biān zì fù fēng liú.
醉里了忘身世，吟边自负风流。
fēng liú.
风流。
mò mò fù xiū xiū.
莫莫复休休。
bái fà jiàn yíng tóu.
白发渐盈头。
hèn shí zài chóng lái, lüè wú huān yì, wéi yǒu jiàn chóu.
恨十载重来，略无欢意，惟有间愁。
duō qíng xiàng rén shì jiù, dàn xiǎo táo ē nuó liǔ xiān róu.
多情向人似旧，但小桃、婀娜柳纤柔。
wàng duàn cán xiá luò rì, shuǐ tiān pāi pāi fēi ōu.
望断残霞落日，水天拍拍飞鸥。

“白发渐盈头”平仄韵脚