Poetry is where the intent of the heart/mind
(hsin) goes. What in the heart is intent is
poetry when emitted in words. An emotion moves
within and takes form in words. If words do not
suffice, then one sighs; if sighing does not
suffice, then one prolongs it [the emotion] in
song; if prolonging through song does not
suffice,then one unconsciously dances it with
hands and feet. Emotions are emitted in sounds,
and when sounds form a pattern, they are called
tones. The tones of a well-governed world are
peaceful and lead to joy, its government
harmonious; the tones of a chaotic world are
resentful and angry, its government perverse;
the tones of a defeated state are mournful to
induce longing, its people in difficulty. Thus
in regulating success and failure, moving heaven
and earth, and causing spirits and gods to
respond, nothing comes closer than poetry.
Preface to the Shih Ching
