木兰花慢（怀旧）

Poem: "Mu Lan Hua Man (Nostalgia)"
Dynasty: Song Dynasty
Author: Huang Sheng
Content:
Spring is asked but remains silent,
In vain, the new green fills the fragrant city.
Remembering the past wanderings distinctly,
Gazing at flowers on the southern path,
Commanding wine in the western tower.
The emerald red encircles by the east wind,
Putting fame and glory aside with a smile.
In drunkenness, forgetting worldly matters,
Reciting poetry by the riverside, prideful and elegant.
Elegant and proud, never stop.
White hair gradually fills the head.
Regretfully returning after a decade,
Slightly lacking in joy, only leaving behind worries.
Affectionate towards people, seeming familiar,
Like young peaches and graceful, willowy willows.
Watching the setting sun beyond the broken glow,
Water and sky applaud as seagulls soar.

Chinese Translation:
诗词：《木兰花慢（怀旧）》
朝代：宋代
作者：黄升
内容：
问春春不语，谩新绿、满芳州。
记历历前游，看花南陌，命酒西楼。
东风翠红围绕，把功名、一笑付糟丘。
醉里了忘身世，吟边自负风流。
风流。莫莫复休休。白发渐盈头。
恨十载重来，略无欢意，惟有间愁。
多情向人似旧，但小桃、婀娜柳纤柔。
望断残霞落日，水天拍拍飞鸥。

Poetic Meaning and Appreciation:
This poem captures the feelings of nostalgia and a longing for the past. The speaker, reminiscent of previous springs, finds no response from the present one. Despite the blossoming greenery, the fragrant city lacks the charm and vitality of previous times. The speaker recalls vividly the past journeys and takes pleasure in admiring flowers along the southern path, while commanding wine in the western tower.

The vibrant description of the east wind encircling in emerald red signifies the speaker's detachment from worldly accomplishments and fame, with a carefree smile. In a state of drunkenness, the speaker forgets about worldly matters and confidently recites poetry by the riverside, displaying a sense of pride and elegance.

As the poem progresses, the speaker remarks on the passage of time and the inevitable signs of aging. The white hair gradually filling the head symbolizes the passing years. The return after a decade brings a sense of regret, as the joy and enthusiasm of youth are slightly diminished, leaving behind only worries.

The speaker's affectionate nature towards others is portrayed, appearing familiar like young peaches and graceful, willowy willows. The view of the setting sun and the broken glow signify the passing of time and the ephemeral nature of life. The water and sky applauding as seagulls soar evokes a sense of both admiration and farewell.

Overall, "Mu Lan Hua Man (Nostalgia)" captures the sentiment of longing for the past, the fleeting nature of time, and the beauty of nature. Through vivid imagery and introspective musings, the poem invites readers to reflect on the passage of time and the importance of cherishing moments of joy and connection.

黄升（生卒年不详）字叔旸，号玉林，又号花庵词客，建安（今属福建建瓯）人。不事科举，性喜吟咏。以诗受知于游九功，与魏庆之相酬唱。著有《散花庵词》，编有《绝妙词选》二十卷，分上下两部份，上部为《唐宋诸贤绝妙词选》，十卷；下部为《中兴以来绝妙词选》，十卷。附词大小传及评语，为宋人词选之善本。后人统称《花庵词选》。