[Poem] SHU KINGDOM MELODY - A Brief Reflection on Li He’s ‘Shu Kingdom Melody’

In this four-line jueju (quatrain), Li He evokes the region of Shu (present-day Sichuan) through concise yet evocative images. The poem’s title, “Shu Kingdom Melody,” hints at both a musical cadence and the legendary mystique of Sichuan—a land famed for its lush scenery and storied history.

**Imagery and Setting**

- The first line, “At Emei Pavilion’s north, spring mists are sealed in,” situates us near Mount Emei—an iconic locale often associated with lofty peaks and drifting clouds. Describing the mist as being ‘sealed in’ conveys a sense of hushed enclosure, a world suspended in time.
- The second line, mentioning “nine-jointed calamus,” references a plant (菖蒲) once believed to have protective or ritual significance. By calling it ‘still from days of old,’ Li He conjures the past’s lingering presence.
- In the third and fourth lines, the focus shifts to martial objects—“feathered arrows and a carved bow”—that now serve no practical purpose. The poem concludes with the gentle admonition: “Do not shoot the swallow heading south,” underscoring the idea that whatever purpose those weapons once had, it is now superseded by a desire for peace or mercy.

**Possible Interpretations**

- **Disarmament and Compassion**: The speaker’s plea to leave the migrating swallow unharmed can symbolize a broader move away from conflict or aggression. Despite having weapons at hand, there is a sense that violence is no longer fitting.
- **Transience of Spring and Seasons**: The swallow’s southward flight and the mention of springtime mists suggest the cycle of seasons and the passing of years. Rather than seizing or halting the moment, the poet encourages letting go—allowing nature and time to run their course without interference.
- **Nostalgia for a Bygone Era**: Recalling old rituals and items (the calamus, the now-useless bow and arrows) points to a wistfulness about traditions or ways of life that have faded. The poem’s overall hush evokes a contemplative scene, balancing between memory and the inevitable progression forward.

**Stylistic Hallmarks**

Li He’s signature style includes compression of imagery and subtle allusions. Here, he weds nature’s quiet allure (mists, calamus, flying swallow) with the hint of martial relics. The abrupt final admonition—“do not shoot”—delivers both surprise and relief, underscoring the poet’s gentle counsel in a time that may once have prized heroic feats or conquest.

**Lasting Resonance**

For modern readers, “Shu Kingdom Melody” stands out for its brevity and vividness. In a handful of lines, Li He prompts us to consider compassion over aggression, memory over present ambitions, and the serene acceptance of time’s flow. Though centuries have passed, the poem’s spirit of calm reflection continues to speak to anyone grappling with the choice between perpetuating conflict or embracing forbearance.