Classic Poem

I packed some provisions and took up my light staff,
Climbing the long, winding way to my hidden abode.
As I walked up-stream, the path led me further away,
When I reached the mountain-top, my heart was still rejoicing.
The calm shallows were congealed in frozen beauty,
Glossy bamboos seemed heedless of the frost.
In the windings of the gorge, the water went straying away,
Far-off stretched the forest, with crags crowding it in.
I peered westward, looking for the sickle-moon,
I gazed back to the east, wondering if the sun had set
I walked on till twilight, then rested until the dawn,
Enshrouding shadows whelming me in their deep.
" Decay " in high places: best to serve no one at all:
" Take second place " ; it always pays to push on
A recluse will always walk the level Way,
Yet his goal lies higher than anything we know
What difference is there between plain " yes " and a nod?
I shall live in peace, hold fast to Unity
Once tranquillity and wisdom fuse together,
From that day on, your nature begins to heal.