Sublime and perilous, Qutang Gorge stands,
At Xiling, ancient land with rugged hands.
The Ba River's caves plunge deep and wide,
Where Shu's old lords once ruled with pride.
Imperial might engulfed the Three Gorges' might,
Divine craft raised by five giants' fight.
A slanting line of sky, so long and thin,
Faces twin stone screens, sheer and grim.
Waterfalls pound the gaunt cliffs with roar,
Clouds steam, and plants reek on the shore.
All streams rush toward Yanyu's turbulent flow,
Their distant will to join the vast sea's glow.
Gazing around, as if no ground were near,
In gloom and shade, a spirit might appear.
White salt hangs like the sun and moon on high,
Black rocks drum thunder from the sky.
Traces of chisels on the cliffs remain,
Where height and depth hold power in their reign.
Fish and dragons thrive in perilous lair,
While mist and fog lock darkness in the air.
I recall past explorations deep and vast,
Words once spoken, shocking to the last.
Waves like arrows shot in furious race,
Boats as shooting stars that swiftly chase.
Hanging upside down, apes wound their feet,
Flying sideways, birds' wings seem so fleet.
Life and death hang on a moment's breath,
Emerging, vanishing like duckweed's death.
On leaves, I trusted loyalty and faith,
In heart, confusion of drunk and sober wraith.
Human smoke meets Rang's river strand,
Laughter and talk fall on the sandy land.
I pour wine below the rapids' roar,
Turn back to see green cliffs, ten thousand more.
Stop oars to ask the elders of this place,
Borrow a brush to grace the map with grace.
Two Mengs once claimed imperial sway,
Three Rivers relied on heights to stay.
Though passes strong and defenses tight,
Their foundation soon took flight.
Our founding king laid plans so grand,
Sacred banners pointed to unsettled land.
Yanchou died in vain for honor's sake,
Cao Han first breached the gate they'd make.
Liu returned from Five Ridges' state,
Ma faced his doom by Heavy Lake's fate.
Who carved these words on cliff so steep?
Far continuing Mengyang's inscription deep.