Yao Nai

江上竹枝词 [清]姚鼐 东风送客上江船， 西风催客下江船。 天公若肯如侬愿， 便作西风吹一年。 Bamboo Branch Song on the River Yao Nai When the eastern wind blows, my love's boat upstream goes; It will come downstream homeward when the west wind blows. If Heaven should fulfil my hearty wish sincere, The western wind would blow homeward for all the year. This poem is set against the backdrop of a boat trip on the river. It cleverly uses contrast and personification to express the poet's deep feelings for nature and his yearning for a free life. The first sentence, "The east wind sends guests on the river boat," depicts a scene in spring when the warm east wind blows gently and sends guests on the river boat. The spring breeze is as gentle as a friend, bringing vitality and hope, leading travelers on their journey, full of expectations and joy for a new beginning. The second sentence, "The west wind urges guests to get off the river boat," turns to describe the autumn scene, with the strong west wind, as if urging the travelers to end their journey as soon as possible and return to the shore. The word "urge" here gives natural forces a human character, vividly expressing…