In youth, my spirit truly wild,
I meant to rival spring's own child.
Roaming in second, third moon's light,
All lands with blooming flowers bright.
At dawn, the streams and plains dress fresh;
Peach, plum wear morning's charming mesh.
Reckless rides, no fatigue I'd own;
Drunk to death, no ailment bemoan.
Eat and drink just as I please;
My essays leaned on haughty ease.
Since then, how long has passed? Alas,
White hair now fills the looking-glass.
Old friends delight in oddity;
New peers are quick to mock and see.
My heart and guts have changed their cast,
Ashamed to face the season's blast.
Leisure gained, with nothing done,
I'd quit both sight and sound for one.
Deep dwelling as if hiding foes;
Silent lying as night's repose.
Morning sunbeams through windows creep,
Birds call, but drowsy, I still sleep.
For life, I scorn account and measure,
Salt and rice run out at leisure.
Sitting tired, forget to rise;
Hat askew, too lazy to prize.
Luckily, in Eastern Capital's post,
I've left the traps and snares almost.
Idle, met with arrogance sour,
Gradually stained by flawed power.
Gone past, how can it be retrieved?
What comes, yet cannot be achieved.
There's a boat on Duke Wei's pool,
Often I swim there, lone and cool.
Water's hue blends with sky's own face;
Here, all is green and pure in space.
Bank trees together loosely spread;
Islet reeds weave warp and thread.
Yearning home, in vain I strive;
Seizing matters, deep I dive.
My greed seeks not fame or gain;
What's gained already I retain.
Loitering through morn and night;
Casting off rank, left and right.
All lords, how worthy they appear,
Supporting the Son of Heaven, dear.
Plans gather Yu's deeds, great and vast;
From all sides, mighty strength is cast.
Transport not lax, yet arrears accrue;
Military orders hold them true.
At court, all officers in line,
Perform their duties, pure and fine.
Why alone do I sit here,
Sharing billions' joy and cheer?
Like a caged bird, I must rely
On others' hand to stay alive.
I write this verse to friends I know,
With shame that in the end will grow.