Gazing at Lake Dongting

Meng Haoran (Tang Dynasty) In August the lake's water is level so wide; it blends the void and sky with nowhere to hide. The vapor steams the marsh of Yunmeng great; the waves shake Yueyang city's towering gate. To cross, I have no boat or oar at hand; to stay at home, I shame the sage's command. I sit and watch the anglers by the stream; I only envy their fish—a vain dream.