遊大明寺

I take the reins and ride out west of the town,

Where the vast sky is bright with the morning sun.

Clustered hills rise in splendor from the ground,

The soaring pagoda seems a divine run.

Sweet dew of wisdom moistens the fairy taste,

My weary heart knows the city of transformation.

Distant fragrance comes on, never to waste,

The empty Brahma sound passes with pure sensation.

Sitting, I regret forgetting worldly schemes, too late;

Living, I'm ashamed of the glory of official bands.

Stroking my breast, ancient and modern regrets accumulate,

Lofty are the feelings of friends in other lands.

Looking back, I admire the fading of all flowers,

Pacing, I wander where the wild plain towers.

Low clouds join the halted canopy overhead,

Cold woods hide the banners that forward spread.

The wind turns, adding rhythm to the pines,

Frost remains, the chrysanthemums' glory declines.

Green hangs down, the sky's momentum encircles all,

Red ascends, the sunlight's brilliance grows light and small.

Ruined walls, where deer and roe once found delight,

Ponds deserted, where wild geese and ducks take flight.

Palace walls removed, the land of turbulent strife,

Terrace foundations fear the chariots of life.

A delightful journey, glad to share this fit,

Deep sorrows regret self-inflicted pain bit by bit.

Reason merges, no distinction of thing and self,

Spirit illuminates, ceasing to welcome or repel.

Gorgeous adornments spring offers, splendid and bright,

Cast treasures, pendants join in harmonious light.

Don't scoff at the clumsiness of my three sighs,

But accept the leaning of our two hearts' ties.