From a sea of trees and clouds rise incense-perfumed halls
to the west is a stream of jade and a garden of bamboo
there's me in my lofty study and distant dawn-lit peaks
a fine sleet in the courtyard and chattering winter birds
I face the flowering water and cultivate tranquit thoughts
but to life's affairs and loneliness I close my door in vain
sometimes I recall old friends and wonder where they are
I open the gate at dawn and greet the welcome light