Book: A Collection of Xu Zhimo's Poems

Introduction
"A Collection of Xu Zhimo's Poems" (1962) is an anthology encompassing the most significant and captivating works of the prolific poet Xu Zhimo (1897-1931). Considered as among the most influential poets in modern-day Chinese literature, Xu Zhimo was a pioneer in bringing Western-style romanticism to China, boldly blending aspects of Western Symbolism, Imagism, and pastoral poetry with styles from traditional Chinese literature. This collection unites some of his most cherished and extensively well known poems, showcasing his keen observations of nature, his deep sense of fond memories, and his exceptionally sophisticated reflections on love, life, and art.

Early Life and Influence of Western Literature
Born in Haining, Zhejiang Province, Xu Zhimo pursued college in Peking University and later on took a trip to the United States and England. He developed his distinct poetic design under the influence of Western literature, particularly the works of romantic poets such as John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and the French Symbolist poets. Xu Zhimo's exposure to such literary works equated into his contributions to the Chinese New Poetry Movement of the early 20th century. He was a supporter of free verse and broke away from the standard rules and types of classical Chinese poetry, exploring new kinds of self-expression and romanticism.

Themes of Nature
One of the constant styles in Xu Zhimo's poems is the charming representation of nature. Drawing influence from the English Romantic poets and their reverence for the natural world, Xu Zhimo delicately highlights the charm of the Chinese landscape in his works. In poems such as "Chance", "Farewell to Cambridge", and "Autumn Tryst in the Mountain", the poet catches the essence of picturesque landscapes, creating vibrant images of rivers, mountains, flowers, and moonlit courses that transfer readers to the intimate minutes shared with nature. In his poems, nature ends up being a mirror reflecting human feelings and using solace to the poet in minutes of pain and heartbreak.

Fond memories and Homesickness
Xu Zhimo's poems often stimulate nostalgia and a deep sense of homesickness. As a poet who spent considerable time away from home, he dwelt on memories of his homeland, looking for solace in recollecting the countryside's sights and sounds. Poems such as "Homesickness", "Autumn Thoughts on a Frosty Night", and "On the Frozen River" reveal an intense longing for the warmth and familiarity of home, while also exploring the melancholic charm of nature in fall and winter. Xu Zhimo's treatment of fond memories reveals a fragile balance between an idealized memory of the past and an approval of the impermanence of life.

Love, Romance, and Sensuality
Possibly the most popular style in Xu Zhimo's poetry is love and romance. In his most renowned poem, "Second Farewell to Cambridge", the poet immortalizes the sensations of love, loss, and yearning as he bids goodbye to Cambridge and his romantic interest. His sensuously charged language, integrated with the pastoral setting of the poem, produces an environment of intense yearning. Likewise, in "A Romantic Tryst" and "In Memory of My Love", Xu Zhimo deftly explores the complexities of love, passion, and desire, breaking the taboos of conventional Chinese culture surrounding love.

Conclusion
"A Collection of Xu Zhimo's Poems" works as a testimony to the unbelievable tradition of this leader in the Chinese New Poetry Movement. His charming blend of Western and Chinese poetic components, combined with a splendid representation of nature, nostalgia, and love, has cemented Xu Zhimo's powerful impact in the world of contemporary Chinese literature. The timeless styles and vibrant images of his poems continue to resonate with modern readers, making them pertinent even today.