Poetry embodies one's idea, said an old Chinese idiom.

While poems previously cited by Premier Wen Jiabao conveyed graveness, those he quoted on Friday reflect optimism on China's development and unification.

"A thousand sails pass by the wrecked ship, and 10,000 saplings shoot up beyond the withered tree."

Premier Wen quoted the determined politician-cum-poet Liu Yuxi in Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) to describe the future of cross-Straits relationship.

"To develop peaceful relations and facilitate growth on both sides of the Straits is a historical trend and no one can block it," Wen said.

The premier also envisioned the red bauhinia would be more beautiful next year in Hong Kong after appraising the achievements made by Hong Kong SAR government over the past 10 years since its return.

Back in the past, Wen often quoted poems to express a somber sentiment while facing social ills.

"Long and tortuous as the course is, I will pursue truth whether in heaven or hell," Wen quoted Qu Yuan (339-278 BC), an upright and outspoken ancient poet, in 2004.

"Probe on reasons for dangers to maintain security, and probe on reasons for upheavals to maintain stability."

Wen quoted ancient political advisor Wei Zheng (AD 580-643) in 2006 to ask people to remain cool-minded at a time when the country was promoted by a feeling of "China's rise."

Social concerns have topped the agenda of the government after a decade of fast economic development. Many firm measures have been taken to root out social problems.

Despite improvement made so far, the premier remains firm-minded in advancing the efforts.

For instance, on issues of corruption, Premier Wen illustrated the relationship between the common people and officials by quoting an ancient idiom.

"While water can carry a boat, it can also overturn it," Wen said, quoting an emperor from the Tang Dynasty, China's golden era of trade, wealth and openness.

Besides firmness, sincerity also flowed from poems quoted by Wen, who was known to tear up during televised meetings for concerns with the common people.

While trying to illustrate the results of policies the current government implemented to improve the well-being of people across the country, Wen quoted a poem by his favorite modern poet Ai Qing.

"If you want to know what happiness means, you can ask the land, which is full of flowers in full blossom, and you can also ask the river that is unfrozen."

(China Daily 03/17/2007 page2)