I observe the dragon boat racers
And thus probe the great source of contention.
Heaven and Earth once contended
In vigorous tumult, day and night dark.
Dragons and snakes mutually scorned and pressed
Seas and mountains all collapsed and fled.
All movements were stirred into chaos
Transformed into a turbid flow.
When contention reached its extreme, the fighting heart ceased
Supreme Harmony steamed the Primordial Chaos.
The single breath suddenly split in two
Towering, it delineated Heaven and Earth.
Sun and moon again shone forth
Spring and autumn alternated cold and warmth.
The eight wilds became level and vast
All things were arrayed in abundance.
A sage stood amidst them
Governing the world without trouble.
This continued for many years
Until reaching Fu Xi and Xuan Yuan.
Emperor Yan blazed like charcoal
Chi You fanned his flames.
The Bear tribe's contentious heart arose
Driving beasts from the forest's edge.
One battle saw waves surrender to flames
Another saw fire sweep the plain.
When fighting ended, the world was settled
He was named Xuan Yuan.
Since then, how could there be no contention?
Trivial matters are not worth recounting.
Next came the dragon contention
Contending to cross the Dragon Gate.
The Dragon Gate dredged like a cascade
Gushing, shooting, impossible to aid.
When the time comes for red scales to transform
Boldly they lift fin and mane.
Riding the wind, they vanish in a glance
Churning the Yellow River for ten thousand miles.
In an instant, electric flames burst forth
A low hum, then thunderous roars.
Looking sideways at the vast cosmos
Looking down, Kunlun seems lowly.
All creatures are below
The nine heavens are easy to touch in flight.
Swiftly leaving the frog and tadpole hole
Suddenly pushing open the Heavenly Emperor's gate.
Turning back to pity those exposing gills on shore
Unable to avoid being swallowed by whales.
The Emperor commands to bless all Xia
Not abandoning insect or tadpole.
According to the season, bestowing sweet dew
According to the thing, conferring deep grace.
Grass and trees are moistened by my dew
Pigs and fish look to me for prosperity.
All former contenders of my kind
Who would have thought I'd survive?
Magnificent, the dragon contention!
In one contention, the body stands alone, supreme.
Apart from this, all are ant-like struggles
Dragon boat racing—how is it worth discussing?