Talentless, I hold eight posts by grace,
Seeking pay, not by thrice-visited place.
South, I proclaim decrees; east, woods clear my haze,
No merit in office, but chance to escape the craze.
Divert water to dredge ponds,
Climb cliffs on slanting stone steps beyond.
West cliffs glow with morning sun,
Deep gorges hold night mist, not done.
Shade and air refresh my clothes,
Cool breeze lightens my walk, it shows.
High up, my thoughts grow still,
Gazing far where plains and rivers fill.
A lone sail lingers in mist o'er the sand,
Crows flock on riverside trees, a band.
Alone, I seek the cave's deep peace,
As if meeting an immortal, a release.
A moment touches truth's core,
A lifetime's folly matters no more.
A rugged stone door opens wide,
Dim mist crosses the streamside.
Pine sounds hum like music's tone,
Eave-tips soar like birds, well-flown.
A perilous bridge spans the ford,
An empty ferry aids, aboard.
Floating cups race on circling streams,
Golden blooms envy fair maids' gleams.
A reed pipe's song from cold fort drifts,
Birds clamor as dusk on empty mountain shifts.
Longing for deer, my heart feels woe,
Reluctant, on the carriage road I go.
Hang up my hat, thank Tao the recluse,
Remove my jade, think of Shu Fu's use.
Dream of casting off official lace,
Ashamed my care for robes brings no grace.
When fortune peaks, disaster leans near,
Power prevailing, the Right Way knows fear.
Why dwell in a meditation gate?
Wordless, in silent enlightenment I wait.