答余司理

I recall my travels through the coastal counties, free,

No thousand mountains could keep me from the sea.

Though worldly debts I've paid, a burden to be free,

Now once more I gaze at the rainbow's adversity.

Who knew in blazing sunlight, fierce and bright,

Suddenly oil-dark clouds would rise in flight?

The six curtains of heaven swept clean in a tide,

My ailing bones feel washed, refreshed inside.

The western hills rumble with thunder's roar,

Evening dampness still hints of rain in store.

I long to lodge within the cloudy cliff's embrace,

And listen to the sky's collapse in silent space.

The magic pool, a palace made of shell,

Would the Dragon Lord deign here a while to dwell?

With you, old friend, we share not two hearts but one,

Surely you too for the people's woes are undone.

I pray the dragon breathes a nurturing rain,

And sheathes his lightning, letting peace regain.

Spare the mountain town's folk, lest they should say,

That I bow to earthen idols, led astray.

For a thousand miles, they feast on jade-like grain,

With sheaves and ears, the poor their needs sustain.

With fattened beasts and oil-rich wine in hand,

Yearly they honor you, Dragon, across the land.