I recall leaving Shaocheng yesterday,
But now I'm far from Chu and Shu.
Leaving the boat for deep mountains,
Secluded in a wooded foothill.
Moored at Yun'an County,
Wasting away, inner poison festers.
Old ailments haunt for decades,
In decline, can I ever be content?
To die a ghost in a strange land,
White-haired, spared an early end.
An old horse still yearns for clouds,
A southern wild goose longs for the north.
Parted from family, children grown,
To rise, ashamed of my feeble strength.
The guesthouse marks seasons' change,
All things confront the captive's bonds.
Warm rocks sprout purple fern-shoots,
Shores gleam with green reed-spears.
Bashu orioles still abound,
Border wheat early ripens.
The river sways with endless day,
Spring silently leaves the trees.
Court officials select the talented,
I look at myself—already at my limit.
Former famed luminaries
Lie buried—what did they gain?
Unexpectedly granted official robes,
My nature is inherently solitary.
Wherever I dwell in life,
I must plant several bamboos.
My career is but coarse wine,
My upkeep, a thatched hut.
A high duke noted my case,
Repeated petitions brought me meager pay.
The sovereign's worries—how can I aid the times?
Far away, I neglect my duties more.
Following texts, the court's plans are upright,
Offering counsel, the path to heaven is straight.
I still dream of approaching the court,
To contribute a hair's breadth to the state.
My body now in such a state,
Advance or retreat, I leave to circumstance.