Classic Poem

Since, I set out there has been cold rain, and few of the days have been spent entirely in travel. Moreover, the autumn rains fall in torrents, and the mountain streams overflow. I cross the boundless waters against the current and travel along dangerous paths. On the cliffside roads I eat my meals under the stars; I spend my nights on lotus beds by the water. As a traveler, I am distressed and toil-worn. The rivers and roads are broad and immense. Thus, by mealtime today, I had only reached Dalei. I have traveled on this road for a thousand li ; my journey has taken more than ten days. There is severe frost in this merciless season; the grievous wind bites my flesh. To be parted from one's loved ones and to become a wanderer — what, oh what, can be done?
Looking far away to the clear and bright sandbars, I let my eyes wander at dusk. To the east I see the Five Islands' straits; to the west I gaze at the Nine Streams' parting. I spy the extraordinary scenery of the earth's gateway; I view the lone clouds at the sky's edge.
To the southwest I look at Mount Lu,
Again I am struck by how extraordinary it is
Its base presses down on the river's tide,
Its peaks touch the stars and the Milky Way
Above it, rosy clouds often gather,
Wrought into an ornamental tapestry.
Evening radiant as the flowers of the ruo tree,
Mists pass between cliffs and marshes.
The emerging light scatters varicolored silk,
So red, it seems to redden the sky
To the left and right, blue vapors
Form a complement to the Purple Sky Peak.
From the ridges up,
Mists are full of golden brilliance
At the bottom half of the mountain,
It is completely sea blue
In it soaring billows leap up to touch the sky,
High waves pour onto the sun.
They swallow and disgorge a hundred rivers,
Rushing and churning up ten thousand ravines
Light mists lingering,
Water boiling in the splendid cauldron
Swirling foam caps the mountains,
Rushing billows empty the valleys
Hard rocks are smashed by them,
Curving banks are crushed and collapse
I look at the Big Fire Star above,
And listen to the sound of the waves below
Shivering I hold my breath,
My heart is startled.
The wind blows in the thundering gale, and I shall be very careful on the road at night. Around the time of the half-moon, I hope I will have arrived at the appointed place. It is difficult to adjust to changes of climate; you must take special care of yourself. Guard yourself well morning and night, and do not worry about me.