Parting when near is hard enough to bear,
Parting for distant lands is harder still.
Think not of distance, nor of what is near,
And you will feel the universe expand at will.
Gatherings and partings, advances and retreats,
All should be viewed through the lens of the Way.
You return to your homeland, where comfort meets,
I stay behind, for my kin's joy I'll stay.
Wu and Shu are but inns on a traveler's road,
Wherever you go, make peace your abode.
Who would marvel at common sight,
When quail's wings with roc's in flight?
Your family is of noble, splendid line,
Whose feathered banners at court brightly shine.
A guest of the Minister by Bamboo West,
An officer in Jibei's camp, among the best.
A ritual vessel in the solemn shrine,
Or the immortal's plate to catch dew divine.
In talk and laughter, the ink's fragrance flows,
Sweet pendants mix with orchids and angelica blows.
Snowy mountains like tablets propping the chin,
Jade-green peaks towering high and thin.
Urgent summons hasten your carriage's track,
To buy a boat by the riverbank and not look back.
The Qutang waves seem to stick to the sky,
Angry billows ride the wind, rushing by.
The West Lake's soft, red-dust road,
Pagoda tiers with sandalwood bestowed.
You'll return to hold the imperial bed,
And lay bare your heart, like jade to be read.
Former worthies held jade-adorned seats of might,
Old deeds recall the Golden Luan Hall's light.
Downcast, trapped in disaster and plight,
Reputation and integrity wither, out of sight.
I need not borrow Zixia's cover for shame,
Nor dare I play Gong Yu's hat-resigning game.
Long separation feels like yesterday's dream,
But Dao and righteousness in cold years will gleam.
A letter from the sun's side, a single sheet,
Often asks with care: 'Please remember to eat.'