I was newly capped when hard times began
two circuits later we're still not at peace
an itinerant official I guard a distant district
while tigers roam the Western Capital
those above are concerned about their pets
those of us below worry about our families
I wonder if I'll ever go home
my hat strings are soaked with tears
feeling anxious I climbed North Tower
military camps stretched east and west
Hanku Pass is closed to travelers
but here in Huainan spring plants are back
birds are singing in the countryside
and I recall walking in our garden
when will the Four Seas be still
I'd be happy just to plow beside farmers