The Serenade at Peach Blossom Lake

    By Storybird

    The Serenade at Peach Blossom Lake cover image

    28 Jun, 2023

    Once upon a time, in the spectacular realm of China, there lived a magnificent poet named Li Bai. His soul was as deep as the ocean, and he sought solace in the arms of nature. On a particular day, he prepared to journey afar on a humble boat.

    As Li Bai was preparing to board his small yet sturdy vessel, he suddenly heard the sound of cheerful singing echoing from the shore. It was a sound that blended beautifully with the natural symphony of the surroundings. It was a melody that encapsulated joy, peace, and unity.

    He turned his head in curiosity, his heart throbbing with intrigue. From where did this uplifting harmony originate? He saw a group of people, their faces beaming with cheerfulness, their voices merging with the tranquility of nature.

    His eyes sparkled with delight, and a smile spread across his weathered face. The echo of the folk song reminded him of the depth of the 'Peach Blossom Pool', known in his mother tongue as the 'Tao Hua Tan'.

    'Tao Hua Tan' was a well-known water body in Li Bai's homeland, renowned for its staggering depth. Its waters were known to descend a whole 'thousand chi', a traditional Chinese unit, into the earth's bosom. An unfathomable depth, much like the poet's powerful feelings.

    Li Bai was a man of deep emotions. Every sight, every sound, could stir the poet within him. Listening to the melodious tune floating across the water, he found inspiration. He realized something profound, something that touched his heart.

    This depth, he thought, was insignificant compared to the depth of affection he received from his dear friend, Wang Lun. Their friendship had weathered storms of adversity, yet stood as steady as a mountain peak.

    Wang Lun was not only Li Bai's friend but his confidant, his anchor in this world. He was a fellow poet, a kindred spirit who shared Li Bai's love for words and the beauty of the world.

    Together, they would traverse the contours of their kingdom, soaking in the scenery, and using it as fodder for their art. They shared not just poetry, but dreams, laughter, tears and, most importantly, a deep, profound bond.

    As the boat started drifting away from the shore, Li Bai found his mind drifting back to the many adventures he and Wang Lun had shared. Each memory was as rich and vibrant as the landscape that unfurled before his eyes.

    The laughter they shared under the twinkling stars, their intense debates over poetry and philosophy, the comfort they found in each other's silent company, were priceless to Li Bai.

    He missed his friend terribly. The sound of the cheerful singing from the shore had reminded him of Wang Lun's mellifluous voice, and the depth of their friendship.

    He picked up his quill, soaked it in ink, and began to write on a piece of parchment. His words flowed effortlessly, much like the boat on the serene water. Before he knew it, he had written a poem.

    It was a poem dedicated to his friend, Wang Lun. It spoke of their friendship, their shared dreams and the profound affection he held for Wang Lun.

    As Li Bai finished his poem, he felt a sense of peace envelop him. He realized that though he was physically distanced from Wang Lun, their bond was unbreakable.

    Overwhelmed by his feelings, he took a deep breath, soaking in the tranquility of his surroundings. He realized his journey wouldn't be lonely, for he carried his friend's affection with him.

    With that realization, Li Bai felt the weight lift off his heart. He sat back in the boat, allowing the gentle bobbing of the vessel to lull him into a sense of peace. His hand rested on the parchment, a silent testament to his deep bond with Wang Lun.

    His eyes closed, his heart at peace, and his thoughts filled with fond memories, Li Bai drifted further away from the shore. The cheerful singing was now a faint echo, but it had served its purpose.

    As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over everything, Li Bai found himself whispering the words he had penned. A simple, heartfelt tribute to friendship: "The water of Tao Hua Tan is as deep as a thousand chi, yet it pales in comparison to Wang Lun's affection for me."

    His words echoed in the air, blending with the soft lapping of the water against his boat. They were a testament to a bond that transcended distance and time, etching Wang Lun into Li Bai's heart forever.

    The Serenade at Peach Blossom Lake