A man named Shi Ming, surname Liu
From youth outstanding, beyond ordinary peers
Abandoned home as if discarding, came traveling far
Went east to Liang, Song, and then to Yangzhou
Then crossed the great river, reached the eastern corner
Huge waves pound the sky, Yu's cave lies deep
A Yue maiden's smile made him stay three years
South crossing the ridge, entered the fiery province
Blue whales rub high, wave-mountains float
Strange specters dazzle, piles of flood dragons
Mountain demons clamor, gibbons roam
Poisonous air scorches the body, yellow fat flows
Asked why he doesn't return, he has good reason
Fine wine poured like water, roasted meat of fat oxen
Enchanting songs, slow dances, splendid and unchecked
Heart overturned, guts churned, for dark pupils
A thousand in gold invited a glance, not to be repaid
Yet he alone met her, all intimacy spent
In a blink, a moment became ten autumns
Once beard not grown, now hair is white
Through five provinces, no worthy lord found
Looking back ten thousand li, ashamed to return home
Yangshan, a poor town, only has apes and monkeys
Holding a fishing rod, from afar he sought me out
For him I set forth examples of former worthies
Cutting weeds, clearing brush, with sharp hoe and harrow
Heavenly stars revolve, cycles just complete
Literature abundant, granaries thickly stocked
Carriage light, driver skilled, horse strength excellent
Ah! Knowing the road, travel without rest
Go seize generalship or ministership, repay kindness and enmity