Summer's heat has gathered drought,
Fierce sun turns to heavy shade.
Vermilion spirit loosens reins,
Steaming damp breeds endless rain.
Startling sounds surge wave on wave,
Dense drops fall in serried lines.
Steps and eaves hang jade-like streams,
Morning till night, no pause in sound.
Long rainbow hangs a bright sash,
Rushing clouds bow perilous peaks.
Thunder and lightning hide their glare,
Sunlight long submerged and sunk.
Old fire's heat no longer burns,
Gales usher in soft gold.
Great roads pour into streams and gullies,
Poor lanes drown in mire and sludge.
Morning mud soils frail clogs,
Night's chill air pierces thin quilts.
Ears weary, leaning on red rails,
Fine fruits fall from green woods.
Frogs and toads swell with pride,
Moles and earthworms chant in turn.
Good grain loses hoe and plow,
Sitting idle, weeds encroach.
Thatched huts spring leaks and cracks,
Weaving girls halt loom and spindle.
Courtyard gardens run to waste,
Who can tell herb from weed?
Long summer, time of growth,
Soaking wet, unchecked it spreads.
I, endowed with finest spirit,
How can sorrow find relief?
If only I could push the ninefold gate,
Moved, reveal my utmost zeal.
Plead with Heaven for bright sun,
Swiftly break this frozen gloom.
Warm wind enriches all things,
Again I'd sing of Shun's lute.
Heaven high, beyond my reach,
Only this anxious heart remains.