Wild winds and steady rains
have muddled the autumn season
cloud over all, over
seas and wildernesses
days so dark
you can't tell a horse from an ox
the clear river and the muddy one
are now indistinguishable
the grain heads grow fungus
millet turns black and rots
the farmers and the peasants
bring no produce, no good news
in the city you sell your bedding
for a day's supply of rice
think yourself lucky to have
some food at a bargain price.