'Guan-guan,' cry the ospreys, on the river's islet. This gentle opening of the very first poem in the Book of Songs has been recited by every educated Chinese person for three millennia.

The poem tells of a young lord searching for his ideal bride. He tosses and turns at night, thinking of her. When he finally wins her hand, he celebrates with bells and drums.

Confucius himself praised this poem for its balance of passion and restraint. The lord desires his bride deeply, but he pursues her through proper courtship, not through conquest.

For generations, Chinese couples have invoked the ospreys at their weddings. The poem reminds us that the most powerful longing is the one that respects its object.