The Cypress Boat

The preface to "The Cypress Boat" says: "The Cypress Boat" is about a person of virtue who is not employed. In the time of Duke Qing of Wei, men of virtue were not appointed, while treacherous petty men were placed by the ruler's side.

That cypress-wood boat drifts along, carried wherever the current flows.

My heart is anxious, I cannot sleep, as if I harbored a deep sorrow.

It is not that I lack good wine, with which I might wander and find release.

My heart is not a mirror, that can reflect all things.

Though I have brothers, I cannot rely on them.

I go to them and pour out my grief, but they only turn and rage at me.

My heart is not a stone, that can be rolled about at will.

My heart is not a mat, that can be rolled up at will.

My demeanor and bearing are correct and proper, and cannot be faulted by others.

My sorrowful heart aches in secret, resented by that pack of petty men.

The troubles I have encountered are many, and the insults I have suffered are not few.

In stillness I ponder these things, and when I wake I beat my breast.

O sun, O moon, why do you alternately grow dim?

The sorrow in my heart is like unwashed clothes.

In stillness I ponder these things, and wish I could spread my wings and fly away.

"The Cypress Boat" has five stanzas, each stanza has six lines.