A Noble Gentleman of Unyielding Perseverance—Bamboo

--By Little Lotus Grade 5 Student: Emma（Faling ）Yang 

“Rooted firmly in the green mountains, never letting go;  
Its roots were originally planted among shattered rocks.  
Though worn and struck a thousand times, it remains tough and steadfast, 
Letting the winds from east, west, south, and north blow as they may.”

This poem praising bamboo, written by Qing-dynasty poet Zheng Xie, portrays bamboo’s unyielding perseverance and noble strength of character. Its message has been passed down through the ages.

Bamboo is known as a gentleman among plants. Together with plum blossom, orchid, and chrysanthemum, it is one of the “Four Gentlemen.” Together with pine and plum blossom, it is also known as one of the “Three Friends of Winter.” Bamboo may not have the brilliant colors of flowers, nor the graceful charm of willow trees, yet it possesses a unique beauty of its own. Its whole body is filled with the living green of life, creating a scene full of vigor and vitality. Tall, slender, and upright, it resembles a graceful fairy dancing lightly in the breeze. Bamboo has the virtue of plum blossoms, which do not fear the cold, and the solemn dignity of pine trees standing tall and firm. It is truly an outstanding gentleman among plants!

Every part of bamboo is useful. It can be admired for its beauty and can also be used as a building material. Bamboo shoots are delicious and may also be used for medicinal purposes. Bamboo leaves can purify the air, reduce noise, improve the environment, serve medicinal uses, and be used to wrap zongzi, traditional sticky-rice dumplings. Bamboo roots can be carved into many kinds of artwork. Bamboo can also be made into different musical instruments, as well as bamboo baskets, containers, beds, chopsticks, mats, chairs, umbrellas, bridges, and much more.

Bamboo is upright, elegant, pure, humble, giving, and persevering. These virtues are worthy of our learning. Bamboo contributes so much to us, yet it asks only for a little sunlight and a light rain. Even heavy snow cannot crush it, and strong winds cannot break it. I love bamboo, and I also love its virtues and character.

I wish to have bamboo in my life, because with it comes endless springtime and life.

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