Tz'u (poem)

Tz'u is a traditional Chinese poetic form that originated during the Tang and Song dynasties, characterized by its fixed tonal patterns and often written to evoke personal feelings or scenarios. Unlike classical poetry with strict rules, Tz'u typically employs song lyrics or melodies and reflects emotional depth, introspection, or responses to life's moments. It often uses vivid imagery and expressive language, blending musicality with literary art. Tz'u can be improvisational or carefully composed, capturing a wide range of human experiences, from love and longing to nostalgia and melancholy, making it a significant and emotionally resonant poetic style in Chinese literature.