Classic Poem

Old age has come and I am glad;
I've experienced what the world holds
And know too well the way things are,
Have seen through the shams.
The sea of sorrow, the mount of pain,
All shattered in a trice.
No longer misled by flowers
Or led into trouble by wine,
I know all the scores now.
When full I look to take a nap;
Awake again, I play the role called for.

Don't talk of time a-passing!
In this old man's heart
Is no wish to meddle much in affairs.
I don't try to become a Taoist immortal
Or flatter the Buddha
Or imitate the busy Confucius.
I have no wish to compete with worthy men;
Let them laugh—
This is just the way I am.
When the play is over,
I will leave my costume for the dumb actors.