The cycle of seasons suddenly completes its round,
The bleak wind howls, desolate and profound.
Alone, I brood over the passage of time,
My decaying frame startles at decline and grime.
I recall first arriving at the capital town,
Where street-side locust trees cast a verdant crown.
Once the clear frost descends and strips them bare,
Few trees retain their sturdy, steadfast air.
Such is the law that governs all things' fate,
How can human life perpetuate a prosperous state?
If one fails to achieve in his own day,
Posterity will mock and criticize his way.
Considering my own solitary plight,
In hunger and cold, I discoursed on Confucian light.
In vigorous youth, I dared to speak my mind,
With pointed words, the current politics to find.
Later, by chance, I was selected and raised,
A remonstrance officer, my duty phrased.
Little did I know, higher the peril grew,
Only fearing my post I did not duly do.
For ten years tossed in storms and strife,
Nine deaths escaped from traps of life.
Reborn by grace of sovereign and sire,
I seek to serve with a dog or horse's fire.
Returning now to meet my kin and friend,
We clasp hands, condolences and greetings blend.
Though my loyal heart remains bright and clear,
White hairs have burst forth, showing age is here.
Ashamed I lack the splendid plumes' display,
To join the phoenixes in their proud array.
With injured wings, I chase the flock in flight,
My lonely cry startles the hearing of the night.
The solemn Jade Hall stands majestic and grand,
Within the pure forbidden precincts, silent and bland.
My duties shame the counsels I should give,
My writings blush at edicts by which I live.
Too thick-skinned to remain here long, I feel,
My path of retreat is not an unreal ideal.
Snatching leisure, I seek companions dear,
Where laughter mixes with mockery and jeer.
Though joy itself may often seem remote,
With wine obtained, my spirit finds a haughty note.
Life in a crowd indeed holds pleasure true,
But favor and high salary rarely accrue.
When shall I early withdraw my weary frame,
To a fisherman's boat on rivers, free from fame?