Su Shi's "In Response to Cao's Poem"
Su Shi's "In Response to Cao's Poem" - Classical Translation A Classical English Translation Su Shi (蘇軾, 1037-1101) Also known as Su Dongpo, was a towering figure of the Song Dynasty - a statesman, poet, painter, calligrapher, and gastronome. His works represent the pinnacle of Song Dynasty poetry, blending Confucian ethics, Daoist transcendence, and Buddhist insight with unparalleled literary craftsmanship. About This Poem: "In Response to Cao's Poem, Reusing Rhymes" was written in 1097 during Su Shi's exile to Hainan. This period produced his most philosophically profound works, reflecting on human folly and cosmic irony while maintaining resilient humor. The poem exemplifies the "ci" (詞) form with its intricate rhyme scheme and layered meanings. In Response to Cao's Poem, Reusing Rhymes by Su Shi (蘇軾) 1. The Absurd Cosmos ...