XU HUAI (A Song of Remembrance)
I sigh to think of those years, wearing
armor with a lance in my hand.
We swept away countless enemies, several
times in mortal danger.
I was rewarded with honors, all to no avail.
Now that I am old and short of breath, my
only constant companion is the book
(Huang Ting).
When I am depressed I practice boxing
routines, during the busy times I plough
the fields.
In my spare time I teach my sons and
grandsons, it is up to them whether or not
they succeed.
It is advantageous to pay the grain tax early,
it is important to pay back personal debts
immediately.
Don't be prideful and don't flatter others, be
patient and always make the first concession.
People say that I am foolish and that I am
seedy, I hear this but I don't take it to heart.
I laugh at the people and nobles fussing
about anxiously, not like me keeping in good
spirits and staying calm.
I don't covet fame or profit, having been
involved in affairs I understand trickery.
I understand the illusory nature of life.
Happiness is to fish and to wander in the
countryside, without a care for prosperity or
ruin.
Suppose there was a world where peace and
health prevailed, tranquility and simplicity would
be commonplace.
There would be no hatred and no want.
I don't care that others look down on poverty,
I am not concerned about success or failure.
If I am not already an immortal then who is?
