My favorite poem and the memory behind it

When talk about poetry, I will naturally think of my favorite poem ‘Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again’ written by Xu Zhimo. It is the first poem that I understand and appreciate from heart. Xu Zhimo used beautiful but plain words to show his love to Cambridge and his sorrow of leaving Cambridge. These words created an image of Cambridge: rosy clouds in the western sky, golden willows by the river side, the pool under the shade of elm trees, etc. I am touched by this beautiful scenery. I can feel his eagerness of staying in Cambridge, but he could not.

This poem reminded me of Harbin Institute of Technology, my ‘home’ university in China. It witnessed my perspiration and laugher. I can clearly remember the day I arrived in Harbin, the day I met my roommates, the days of my military training, the day I was admitted by the Youth Volunteer Association, the day I was chosen as a scholar of NUS and the day I left Harbin. I will never forget the scene at Harbin Railway Station when I was going to get on the train. I said good-bye to my roommates and stood in a queue. I thought I could hardly see these friends again. The scene of everyday life I spent with them was flying in my head. We ate together, had classes together, had fun together and supported each other. I was shocked when I heard a familiar voice calling my nickname. I turned around and found that my roommates had not left but keep me company behind the queue. At that moment, I was totally moved. Just as the situation Xu Zhimo met, I was eager to stay but I could not. The feeling at that moment could not be described by normal sentences. That is why poetry exists.

Quietly I leave here

As quiet as I came here;

Gently I flick my sleeves

Not even a wisp of cloud will I take away.