Mary
It seems to me there's a distinction that Zeiser's not making. When Patricia and I are talking about Wu songs, we're not talking about a poem - we're talking about the actual songs. Personally, they seem much more interesting than the poems Zeiser appears to be talking about - the wujei form. The songs have humor and wit, as well as a distinct way of looking at misfortune and everyday life.
In oppostion to your quote from Zeiser, I've been reading references that indicate the form you've 'introduced' here is a modern form - not 3000 years old. I admit I'm confused. Nowhere other than Zeiser quotes you've posted have I seen the term 'Wu song' used for a poem - only for the actual songs, which are songs sung in the fields.
[This message has been edited by Jerry Glenn Hartwig (edited August 08, 2006).]
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