Recently, when I walked into the former residence of Peng Yulin in Zhajiang Town, Hengyang County, carrying equipment, I saw a nearby water canal stretching from west to south, and two rows of willow trees grew on both sides of the canal. I love willows because willows are primrose trees and messengers of spring.
Weeping willows on the shore. Photo/ Flower Beach River
After the spring snow, the weather warms up, and a spring rain awakens the willow tree that has been sleeping for a winter, and a new layer of green appears on the slender branches. Looking at the lovely willow trees, the willow branches fluttering in the spring breeze, and the reflection of the canal water, the canal is full of green brilliance and spring breath.
Children play under the willow trees. Photo/ Flower Beach River
Willow leaves and the spring breeze danced, happy like naughty children, swinging, hide-and-seek, jumping around alive, singing spring.
Citizens playing with willow branches. Photo/ Flower Beach River
Willow, a plant that refers to the willow tree, comes from ancient Chinese poetry. The earliest is from the Book of Poetry: "In the past, I used to be in the past, and the willows were yiyi; now I come to Xi, and the rain and snow are lightning." "Willow originally means willow tree, because in the spring, the willow tree will fly, which can easily cause the sadness of the ancients."
Riverside willows. Photo/ Flower Beach River
The hanging willows are sprouting. Photo/ Flower Beach River
In ancient mainland poetry, "Yang Liu" is a common image of lingering emotions, and there are countless famous sentences containing this image. For example, the Tang Dynasty He Zhizhang "Wing Liu": "Jasper is made up of a tree high, and ten thousand green silk threads hang down." Tang Dynasty Wang Wei's "Weicheng Song" "Weicheng morning rain and dust, the guest house green willow color new." Song Dynasty Zhinan's "Ancient Wood Yin Middle Short Tent": "Wet apricot blossom rain, blowing noodles are not cold willow wind." Qing Dynasty Gao Ding's "Village Residence": "Grass long warblers fly on February days, whisking willows drunk with spring smoke." And so on.
Green willow buds. Photo/ Flower Beach River
Why do poets like to write about willow trees so much? Because the words "willow" and "stay" are harmonious, often alluding to parting, "willow" is often used in front of the eaves and behind the house, often as a symbol of hometown, "willow" is erratic, often used as a means of sorrow.