With deep disappointment I face the year
an émigré wondering how to get home
troubled to be apart from those I love
feeling the drag of a worldly career
I served in Hoyang when I was young
in old age I'm guardian the shores of Huainan
how many times have we parted this life
and now we've reached our useless years
yesterday I turned in my seal of office
but poverty has forced me to stay
most of the battalions have left
and transport is in poor supply
now that I'm retired drink is my companion
I cultivate the Tao in silence
I listen to the pines at South Cliff Temple
and watch the moon along West Creek
there's no secret to government work
just do your job and don't expect a transfer
I'm finally packing the clothes I brought
I'm going home to work those Tuling fields