Too careless to work in public office
I cast my lot with the weeds and trees
living in a hermitage however I pleased
having wine I felt was enough
I combed my hair every few days
and rarely looked at a book
on festival days I met local elders
and let my eyes wander among mountains and streams
but times are brighter and I've been selected
the court has announced my name
the letter of appointment is at the gate
my hat and my belt are tied
ashamed to be filling a vice director's post
I've unjustly accepted a gentleman's title
my hat tassels dangle as I bob along
in a carriage that floats on the wind
I'm leaving close friends behind
and this bend of West Creek I love
the far peaks shine in the water at sunset
summer rains have turned everything green
a sudden gust blows across the dirt road
I turn to look but can't stay another night
tomorrow I'll be below perfumed towers
and white clouds will be in dark valleys