Yu's Cave guards the famed mountain,
Where divine dragons kept watch of old.
This trace remains of his work done,
As heaven and earth their tale unfold.
Back in the Shaoxing reign's day,
My father came to mourn the past.
He climbed the cave in brave assay,
And sighed with feelings vast.
He took his brush, wrote of Kuaiji,
And praised its customs fair.
When I was but a child, you see,
I chanted it with care.
I learned the charm of seeking scenes serene,
And formed the wish to journey east.
But roads were long and blocked, I ween,
And time flew like a beast.
This fancy sank in misty deep,
As three decades did sweep.
Two years in Lin'an I did dwell,
Just one stream away, as stories tell.
A visit seemed within my reach,
Yet I dared not a firm plan beseech.
At this year's first month end,
My steps took an unplanned trend.
Clouds followed winds across the river wide,
My body entered cliffs on every side.
I asked from whence I came,
Could I find Xia Hou's name?
Some pointed to a peak high,
Said it's near, fifteen miles nigh.
That day the weather clear did hold,
Good winds washed my sleeves, fresh and bold.
Inspired, I felt no sloth at all,
With two or three friends at my call.
My nephew, bound for school's test,
By chance could join as guest.
We called a boat on Mirror Lake to sail,
Our skin touched empty green, without fail.
New lotus dots like coins appear,
Fish swim by, showing no fear.
Water's pure, without a wave,
We arrived in time, our wishes to save.
We left the oar, knocked the immortal's door,
The plaque said 'Dragon's Blessing' evermore.
An ancient path by strange pines led,
Old cypress by heavy gate spread.
We climbed the mossy path somewhat deep,
Through twists and turns, secrets to keep.
A giant rock before our eyes did loom,
Unlike other stones, it sealed the gloom.
Its force o'er countless hills does reign,
No demon dares to show disdain.
Men call it a cave of heaven,
I'm glad to know this haven.
In its midst, cracks are born,
Old tales say depths are worn.
Mystic locks the keyholes bind,
Gods' will is hard to find.
I lingered, loath to part,
And felt it touch my heart.
All my life I've loved to seek,
Secluded hills, a bond unique.
How, in a blink, three generations came,
To visit here, and share the same?
My father's verse I dare not climb,
His spirit's light makes me feel grime.
I force this five-word poem's birth,
Yet can't escape old habits' worth.
The poem done, no need to write,
My turtle friend, just keep it in sight.