The Poet’s Ode to Juyuanhao: William Dupree’s Verse for Yang Fuxi and the Art of Chinese Archery
By Willaim Dupree:
We Make Bow
Passed down for generations,
our craft has been part of our culture
and also arms for our nation.
Used by ancient hunters, warriors, and nobility,
our craft—archery—is shrouded in mysticism,
our culture, and our history.
We have humbly dedicated ourselves
to this way of life,
along with its prestige and sacrifice.
Putting our craft above ourselves,
rather to have a mark on history
than to seek self-wealth.
Dedicated to improving our craft
with all the time we have left,
so our legend goes on:
from father to son,
and to others that we welcome.
We make bow.
The poem in Chinese, translated by Mr. Yeemin XIE
世代传承，此艺乃吾族之魂，亦为国器。
昔为猎手、将士、贵胄所持，
弓道之中，蕴玄妙、文化与历史。
吾辈谦恭，献身于此道——
承其荣光，亦担其牺牲。
以艺为尊，超然己身；
不求富贵，但求青史留痕。
穷尽余生，精益求精，
使传奇永续：父子相继，薪火相传。
吾心所铸，唯弓而已。