Beyond the Green Willows

My Chinese teacher loved telling us stories about literary allusions. Once, while explaining the phrase "paint the dragon and add the eyes," she said that many famous poems and works of literature have survived through the ages because a single character in a line brings the whole piece to life. She gave the line "The red apricot branch is abuzz with spring," a timeless masterpiece indeed. Yet I have always preferred the line that follows: "Beyond the green willows, the dawn chill is faint." It calls to mind the tranquil, distant reaches of Jiangnan, ancient lanes veiled in mist and rain, green willow branches lightly kissing the water, and a breeze lifting strands of hair. Just like He Xiaohan's love: simple and quiet, yet lingering with endless charm. Would you be willing to take your time and listen to the author tell a story that may not be full of dramatic twists and turns?