The poem The Backbone is a profound condensation of the spiritual core of Chinese civilization. Using “backbone” as a metaphor, it interprets the unyielding integrity that underpins the survival and progress of individuals, nations, civilizations and eras. It not only embodies the persistent spiritual essence of the Chinese nation but also echoes the common pursuit of dignity and perseverance shared by all humanity.
Authored by Bai Gengsheng and translated by L a n X i n (Lanxin Samei), the translation breaks linguistic barriers to accurately convey the philosophical depth and spiritual power of the original work. It builds a bridge for in-depth dialogue between Chinese spiritual thoughts and the world’s diverse civilizations, allowing the wisdom of Eastern civilization to resonate in a global context and serving as a vivid testament to the mutual learning and symbiosis of world civilizations.
The Backbone
Author: Bai Gengsheng
Translator: Lan Xin (Lanxin Samei)
About the Author: Vice Chairman of the China Writers Association, Member of the Standing Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Honorary Dean of the China Yulong Wenbi Dongba Culture Academy
About the Translator: Internationally renowned writer and poet, the only female inheritor of the World Memory Heritage Dongba Culture, Dean of the China Yulong Wenbi Dongba Culture Academy, Winner of International Literary Awards
The wind has no backbone
It roams entirely at its own will
Grass needs no backbone
It merely sways as the wind blows
Water requires no backbone
It just flows gently toward the lowlands
Insects have no need for backbone
They have not evolved to that stage yet
Yet
Mountains possess their backbone
To hold aloft the boundless firmament
Houses stand with their backbone
Or they could never shelter all the needy with warmth and delight
Bridges are built with their backbone
To bear the endless throng of carts and steeds passing over
A person must have backbone
For it lets you stand tall and unshakable in life and living
An army must have backbone
For it lets you hold your broad chest high to stand guard and fight
A nation can never go without backbone
With it you keep your head held high in unyielding perseverance
A country can never go without backbone
With it you are filled with boundless vigor spirit and vitality
A society cannot lack its backbone
Among all mortal beings only the awakened and virtuous embody it
An era cannot lack its backbone
Without it we might as well sink back into ignorance and barbarism
Backbones always lie in quiet solitude
Never vying for the spotlight or fame
Backbones are always left uncelebrated
For they scorn all glib and flattering words
Backbones are often cast aside and forgotten
Yet only when we sit upright or stand tall do we fathom their true worth and essence
Backbones have endured endless wrongs for eons
Yet they remain steadfast without regret or grievance
