Shi (poetry)

Shi is a type of Chinese poetry that is a bit like a song, but it doesn't need music to be enjoyed. These poems have been around for a very long time, even before you and I were born! They are very special because they have a certain rhythm and structure that make them sound really nice when you say them out loud.

Shi poems are usually made up of four lines, kind of like a verse in a song. Each line has a specific number of characters, which can be a little tricky to count because they don't use the same alphabet that we do. But when you read them in Chinese, each line sounds similar because it has the same tone and rhythm.

Shi poems can be about anything, just like how songs can be about anything too! They can be about nature, love, friendship, or even just simple everyday things. When you read them, they can make you feel happy, sad, or even thoughtful.

Sometimes, these poems are so popular that people will even memorize them and recite them to friends or family. In fact, some people say that shi poems are even more important than just regular words, because they can create a very special feeling inside of you. What's even cooler is that poets from all over the world have started writing shi poems too, so now there are shi poems in all sorts of languages, not just Chinese!