Passing Liyang, I head west,
Thanks to good friends who farewell feast.
Hesitant, I look back oft,
But they depart, I’m left aloft.
My brother’s care supports me well,
His steadfast heart dispels the spell.
Do men dislike ease? Not so—
They fear my long road’s weary blow.
High plains and lowlands, bright and clear,
Ice and snow we tread, both severe.
Mountains bear stones blocking the way,
Mud splashes shoes in disarray.
Glad to cross the stream with pole,
Yet wind and waves contend for soul.
Almost four years, all by this means,
I never knew how far the scenes.
Descending now to Lushan’s base,
The county head prepares a boat’s space.
My plan not set for Yunmeng’s shore,
The great river becomes a door.
Parting ways by land and stream,
My brother says he’ll turn, a dream.
Try to watch a thousand sails,
The front cart warns, its lesson hails.
With loyalty, I face the deep,
One glance, my face turns pale to keep.
Those who love me leave me here,
Then I know heaven holds me dear.
Can caution fade from memory?
I trust the rooster and dog, free.
Leaving kin and graves behind,
Was it for better food, unkind?
Or do I treasure what I bear,
Though wish to discard, yet I care.
Roaming four lands to strive and plan,
My strength still serves as best it can.
Jing is a state of martial might,
Perhaps my words will shine some light.
As for innate dry or damp,
I’d live in poor lane without cramp.
Not that aging unknown’s a flaw,
But where I go, poor and low, I draw.
Only she believes in this,
I stand on tiptoe, her I miss.
When can autumn orchids arrive?
To repay my feet, worn and alive.