Chinese Calligraphy

Calligrapher

By the lake in Beihai Park

A woman draws Chinese characters

In water on the paving-stones,

Using a brush like a pointed mop.

A whole poem, perhaps, is written there.

We watch it fade as the water dries.

I once had a few Chinese calligraphy lessons in Beijing. I soon gave up:

On the need to study longer with Yu Qi Long

Call that calligraphy ?

Chicken-scratchings !

No flow, no balance,

No interplay of yin and yang.

You must have more lessons.

You'll need a lifetime

To achieve the Ch'i.