Returning to my Former Residence

One time long ago I lived in shang-ching,

Six years, while I was in and out oftown.

And now today I have come back again

Unhappy at finding so many depressing things.

The dykes between the fields are as they were,

But there are many changes in the town.

I walk around the place I used to live-

Few of the old people next door are left.

Step by step I look for relics of the past,

Lingering with afection over some.

During the fowing illusion of our lives

Hot and cold daily alternate.

My constant fear is that the Great Change come

Before the decline of my vital energy.

I shall try to put such thoughts aside

While I still can lift a cup of wine.