A poetic scroll of small bridges, flowing water and homes

Wandering through the long river of time, there are always some scenes as poetic and picturesque, engraved in the heart and never fading. "Small bridge, flowing water, and people's homes", these six simple words are like a delicate key, gently unlocking a door to a peaceful water town. A picture full of poetry and warmth gradually unfolds before our eyes, leading us into the dreamlike world of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River.

The dawn was breaking, and a thin mist like a veil covered the water town. In the distance, an ancient and simple bridge spanned the gently flowing river, like a rainbow that had descended to the mortal world. The bridge was built with old stones, and the passage of time had left it with mottled marks, each line telling tales of the past. The bridge railings were carved with exquisite patterns, either lively flowers and birds or simple geometric designs. Despite the erosion of wind and rain, they still exuded a unique charm.

Under the bridge, the river flows gently, crystal clear. Occasionally, ripples appear on the river surface, which are the marks left by fish playing in the water. The river reflects the willows by the bank and the houses with white walls and black tiles. As the water ripples, the scene sways gracefully, as if it were a flowing ink-wash painting.

Walk along the riverbank and you will see houses scattered in an orderly manner. The house with white walls and black tiles stands there quietly, as if telling the story of the vicissitudes of time. The blue tiles on the roof are neatly arranged and, under the sunlight, they sparkle with a faint luster. The walls are covered with emerald green vines, some of which have already bloomed with tiny flowers, adding a unique touch of color to this simple and elegant house.

This small bridge, like a silent witness, quietly guards the changes of the water town over the years. It has witnessed the hurried steps of countless pedestrians, some carrying backpacks and heading for distant places. Or carrying a load, shuttling among the markets. It has witnessed the prosperity and tranquility of the water town, as well as the joys and sorrows of people's lives. In the past years, there were often ships coming and going on the river surface under the small bridge.

Many touching stories have also taken place on the small bridge. Perhaps a couple met on a bridge, fell in love at first sight, and thus embarked on a romantic journey of love. Perhaps it is a wanderer who, when leaving his hometown, stands on the bridge, looking back at it affectionately, his eyes filled with longing and reluctance. Perhaps neighbors met on the bridge, exchanged greetings and shared the little things in life. These stories, like pearls, are scattered throughout the years of the small bridge, adding a touch of warmth and romance to it.

"Small Bridges, flowing water and people's homes", this line of poetry comes from Ma Zhiyuan's "Tianjingsha: Autumn Thoughts" in the Yuan Dynasty. The entire piece is "Withered vines, old trees, crows at dusk, small Bridges, flowing water and houses, ancient paths, west wind and thin horses." As the sun sets in the west, a heartbroken person is far away. Ma Zhiyuan, with concise and condensed language, depicted a picture of an autumn dusk brimming with sorrow and yearning. Among them, the line "Small bridge, flowing water and people's homes", with its fresh and natural scene, forms a sharp contrast with the surrounding scenery, highlighting even more the loneliness and homesickness of the wanderer who is far from home. This line of poetry not only vividly depicts the scenery of the water town, but also profoundly interprets the deep-seated homesickness in people's hearts.