I recall the start of fleeing the rebels,
Northward we trekked through perils and pains.
Deep night on Pengya road,
Moonlight shone on White Water's hills.
The whole family long walked on foot,
Meeting folks, we often felt ashamed.
Valley birds sang in uneven tunes,
No sight of wandering sons returning.
Foolish daughter, hungry, bit my arm,
Crying, feared tigers and wolves would hear.
Covering her mouth against my chest,
She squirmed, her cries grew more indignant.
Young son, pretending to understand,
Kept asking for bitter plums to eat.
Ten days, half filled with thunder and rain,
Through mud we dragged each other along.
No rain gear had we for defense,
Paths slick, clothes soaked and cold.
Sometimes, through harsh and rugged stretches,
A whole day covered but a few miles.
Wild fruits served as our travel rations,
Low branches formed our shelter's beams.
At dawn we walked on water over stones,
At dusk we camped by skyline smoke.
Briefly stayed at Zhoujia's lowland,
Wished to exit Luzi Pass ahead.
An old friend, Sun Zai, was there,
His lofty duty touched the layered clouds.
He hosted us though dusk had darkened,
Lit lamps, opened the double gates.
Warm water washed our weary feet,
Cut paper summoned our strayed souls.
Then he brought out his wife and children,
We gazed, tears streaming down our faces.
All the young ones slept in innocence,
Woken to share the laden plates.
He vowed then, 'With you, sir, I swear,
To be sworn brothers forevermore.'
He cleared the hall where we would sit,
Gave us peace and joy to dwell within.
Who, in times of hardship, would be willing
To open wide and bare his very heart?
Parted now, a full year has passed,
Hu and Jie rebels still brew strife.
If only I had wings to fly,
I'd soar and drop right before you.