Throughout my life, a recluse's nature I've kept,
Like a white colt roaming the empty valley, free and adept.
If only my eyes could rest upon mountains so grand,
Why would I care if my plate lacks meat, on this land?
I must salute the crisp, refreshing air,
To cleanse this belly weary from study and care.
An official post by the great river's side,
Pillowed near the foothills where Shouyang's hermits abide.
As if hearing the Five Elders' fame, so vast,
Making all other peaks seem to shrink, surpassed.
Climbing vines up the perilous, jagged steep,
With intent to delight both the heart and eyes deep.
Then gazing upon the cosmos, vast and wide,
Ten thousand transformations turn as a single wheel's stride.
The Daoist truly possesses the Way,
Ascending straight up, on perilous wood he'll sway.
Divine light hides in the cliff's secret nook,
Magical herbs thrive, by simple foliage overtook.
In vain, the Lotus Society's disciples, in a swarm,
Stir up chaos like ducks and geese in a storm.
The master's ambition soars to ancient heights,
His true journey exhausts the Six-Six's mystic sights.
Floating freely, a dream in the clear night,
Often arrives at the mountain hut, bathed in moonlight.
Thinking of this, I'm moved by worldly traces,
Rushing forward like an arrow that swiftly races.
Chanting poems to show for contemplation,
Rhythms and tones bring back spring's warm sensation.
Writing characters to record my passage through,
A model remains, surviving on simple congee, too.
It makes my crude, humble heart,
Feel like disheveled hair receiving a comb's art.
Freeing me from external dust and grime,
Increasing my sigh for life's pressing, limited time.
At night, I rinse with water from the falling-arrow spring,
The bright moon's chill fills my cupped hands, a pure offering.
At dawn, I pass Ling Peak to break my fast,
Why fear if my clogs' teeth wear out, at last?
Here I shall spend the remainder of my years,
With no more doubts to be resolved, no more fears.