Before Ezi Peak, the water's hue is clear,
Liu Lang gazes at mountains, free from vulgar care.
A lean scholar has always possessed an immortal's bone,
At night, he dreams his body flies, light as a leaf alone.
In the clouds, he knows not the path to the heavenly court,
Two lads guide me, through the void we soar.
Turning sideways, I pass through cliffs' winding nook,
Round and round, twisting back, the path we took.
Carefree, the mind goes forth, the form meets no bar,
A stone cave, mossy crevice, suddenly opens to skies afar.
Riding a raft by night, I cross the Cowherd and Weaver's stream,
Whipping phoenixes at dawn, into gold and silver halls I beam.
Deep in flowers, no soul I meet,
Yet at times, the sound of girdle jades rings sweet.
The immortal sage, just risen, is tying his socks with grace,
Seeing a guest, he's frank and easy, without a trace of pride's face.
I strike my ignorance, hoping for his pity and light,
Knocking at wonder, I gain a single word so bright.
The seven passions muddy the heart, making it dull and blind,
Stem desires like water, clarify their source in mind.
In the mortar, medicinal herbs are ground and chewed,
Hand-pinched, they're still shared, a generous mood.
Beside, a spring gurgles cold and clear,
Three rinses, then I swallow all, holding nothing dear.
To keep youth red and ward off white is no hard feat,
To crave life and fear death is truly a foolish conceit.
Back then, seven surnames roamed together, all in the same band,
But I only recall 'Ancient Moon' forming the character 'Hu' in that land.
Worldly ties not severed, I cannot stay,
The sea wind blows me past Peng and Ying, islands far away.
Awake, the window dim with dawn's first light,
The crystal jade mirror hangs, dropping by pine tips in sight.