In youth, few matched my mind; you loved me best of all.
Your name towers like mountains, lofty as Song and Tai.
You stoop to gather simple friends, not yielding to the dust.
Like the vast river's waters, never turning from the ditch.
Your person holds the sun and moon, piercing through the gloom.
My talent is but empty, useless to fill the granary.
I thought to follow you long, cleansed from filth and stain.
Life's course cannot be fixed; our wishes oft go astray.
Parted for over five years, adrift a thousand miles away.
Plunged into worldly snares, a petty post my shackle.
In quiet days I keep my guard; to whom can I expound?
My restless heart towards the southwest dreams of meeting you.
I think of you with rare jade, no good broker to sell.
In poor lanes nursing hidden griefs, ill omens costly to avert.
The district poor, good men are few; who can wed my sisters?
And still I hear you've been ill for months; on whom can you rely for cure?
The household poor, support is scant; who can lend us coin?
Poets satirized Duke Cao; the worthy bore spear and shield.
Why, in this time of peace, when virtue's grace runs deep?
Phoenixes sing and descend, ten thousand wings come whirring.
The deer call in the woods, vying to graze on herbs.
Thus men of lofty spirit oft meet with plight and woe.
Human affairs are hard to settle; heaven's principle is dim.
Sages and worthies mostly thus; since old, 'tis called helpless.
The Zhou prized women; Bian Que, famed doctor, was delayed.
This age has no constant trend; choice follows gain and loss.
Yet you believe in this Way, unmoved by wealth or want.
Renouncing joys of man's world, cleansing ears for heaven's music.
Well knowing peace and rich fare, you scorn the husks and chaff.
Dragons coiled though they be, envy not the snake's shed skin.
Making one feel stirred and bold, forgetting self's smallness.
How can I daily be near, to tend your sickly frame?
Fame and merit not yet joined; the years must still be spent.
Yearning to learn and serve, at midnight tears pour down.
You once promised to visit me, soon to prepare your carriage.
Though mountain streams are steep and harsh, gazing high clears blurred sight.
Peaks azure rise unevenly; trees green cast deep shadows.
The Tong River road is swift; flying oars descend loud rapids.
Fishing villages point to evening fires; taverns show morning banners.
Clear wine enough to drown care; jade carp fit to be sliced.
Journey on, I pray, don't tarry; dusk and dawn I wait to meet.
We shall see each other's face, no need for divination.
Yanling, the ancient gentleman, ashamed to discuss petty music.
Trifles are not worth debate; thus I speak of greater things.
Opening the quiver wide, awe-inspiring see the sharp spears.
Probing deep, assault strong walls; dispelling doubt, overturn banners.
Parting, we tread on fragrant herbs; sitting together, shaded by pines.
Night beds share quilt and curtain; day meals share coarse fare.
When shall such joy be ours? Your lean frame shows in your belt.
I write this poem to convey sincerity; plain words, no ornament.