The mysteries of human existence and the inspiring power of nature are themes often contemplated in the poetry of Ancient China. This is revealed by the recently published Latvian anthology of ancient Chinese lyrics “River snow”, composed and sung by sinologist Ieva Lapiņa. The book is supplemented by a preface and comments, which serve as a source of knowledge for a better understanding and feeling of Chinese poetry. Such an edition in Latvian is a great rarity, Ieva Lapiņa has worked on it for a long time and thoroughly.
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Excerpt from a poem by the 8th century poet Du Fu:
The thin grass by the shore will wither in the wind.
Tall mast, lonely boat at night.
Above the wide plain the stars in the sky,
The moon rushes to the waters of the Yangtze.
Would my name as a poet deserve fame?
A civil servant, old and sick, was dismissed from his post on leave.
I will forget in wanderings, I don’t know anymore – who am I? –
A seagull that glides between heaven and earth”.
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