August 25^th, 2026

On the mountain top one thatched hut,
Thirty li from roads.
Knock on the door: no disciple to answer.

Look in: only a table for tea.
The firewood cart is covered;
Have you gone fishing in the autumn stream?

I look among the pools, but miss you;
I try but fail to pay you my respects.
Grass shines in the fresh rain;
Pines murmur at evening windows.

Here at this moment, a harmony,
Profound and unrivaled;
The self completely cleansed,
The heart, the ear.

Although there is no guest or host as such,
I’m able to intuit your pure thought.
Purpose fulfilled, I head back down the mountain.
No need now to wait for you.

Ch’iu Wei (8th c)