Song of Bitter Cold
- Poetry of Cao Cao

北上太行山，艰哉何巍巍！

羊肠坂诘屈，车轮为之摧。

树木何萧瑟，北风声正悲。

熊罴对我蹲，虎豹夹路啼。

溪谷少人民，雪落何霏霏！

延颈长叹息，远行多所怀。

我心何怫郁，思欲一东归。

水深桥梁绝，中路正徘徊。

迷惑失故路，薄暮无宿栖。

行行日已远，人马同时饥。

担囊行取薪，斧冰持作糜。

悲彼东山诗，悠悠使我哀。

We climb the Taihang Mountain from the north;

The upward trek is harsh when we march forth.

The rough meandering footpaths twist and turn;

The wheel breakdowns bring us grave concern.

Before my eyes,the towering trees are moaning;

Above my head,the northern wind is groaning.

Bears large and small squat upon the trail;

Meanwhile tigers and leopards howl and wail.

Few people go into the deepest vales 

When heavy snows enshroud the frozen dales.

At this sight,I heave an enormous sigh 

Now that I know what zigzag treks imply.

Why am I in such a downcast mood?

About my journey home is what I brood.

When we face a river and no bridge is found,

We have to stop halfway and move around.

As we have moved around and lost our way,

Night will fall and we have nowhere to stay.

The farther in the mountains we go,

The more hungry men and horses grow.

The soldiers cut firewood from the trees

And cook the gruel with pieces of ice that freeze.

The Eastern Hill does not give me relief;

It is a poem that adds to my deep grief.