Tune: “Calm Wind”

On March 7th,
Caught in the rain on the road to Shahu,
My rain gear had gone ahead,
My companions were all in distress,
Yet I alone felt nothing.
Soon the skies cleared,
So I composed this verse.

Pay no mind to the sound of rain beating through the forest and on the leaves,
Why not hum a tune and walk at a leisurely pace?
With a bamboo staff and straw sandals, I’m lighter than a horse,
Who’s afraid?
Let a lifetime be lived amidst misty rain in a rough cloak.

The chilly spring breeze sobers me from wine,
A slight chill,
But the slanting sunlight on the hilltop greets me instead.
Looking back at the bleak place I passed,
Returning,
There is neither wind nor rain, nor even clear skies.