[Poem] ASCENDING THE STORK TOWER WITH CUI BIN - A Brief Reflection on Elevated Perspective

In this poem, Wei Yingwu describes ascending the renowned Stork Tower with his friend Cui Bin. The imagery suggests both a physical and spiritual ascent, as they climb so high that even flying birds appear below. The poet vividly contrasts worldly affairs—referred to as the 'mundane world'—with the lofty and liberated feeling of being above it all.

From the tower, they behold the vast plains under an embracing sky, and watch the river winding through broken mountain terrains. This panoramic view evokes a subtle blend of wonder and melancholy: they can see far into the distance, yet the enormity of what lies beyond also stirs a quiet wistfulness. Still, this perspective grants them a fleeting respite—'one moment of leisure'—away from daily concerns. The poem acknowledges that true transcendence, both physical and emotional, is never entirely realized, hinting that there is always further to go and more to understand. Thus, the climb becomes a metaphor for a personal journey, revealing how reaching higher vantage points can offer not only exquisite vistas but a sense of deeper contemplation.

Through minimal yet powerful lines, Wei Yingwu invites us to reflect on how a change in perspective can momentarily lift us above the bustle of the everyday world, letting us appreciate both the scope and the serenity of the natural realm. In so doing, he underscores the eternal human yearning to rise above one's limitations and seek clarity, wisdom, and a renewed sense of awe.