Shan Hai Jing · Classics of Mountains and Seas

Picture Story

Big Cuttlefish.

It seems today's mountains are entirely green.

The water is exceedingly clear.

Sweat-drenched, the woods beside the mountain.

The fragrance of cypress drifts.

On the moss-covered stones, her tears turn in the bright sunlight.

Down the slope —

a pool of jade-green water.

The mountain-folk say:

Fish-clan;

here it is called Big Cuttlefish.

Walking on —

flowers fly and butterflies dance…

Earth-piled houses, the city's small fresh-style.

The little shop at the village gate.

She asks: “What is Shan Hai Jing?”

By the road a small child is playing.

I joke: Shan Hai Jing… heh-heh! The child by the road looks plump and joyful — let's just catch him and eat him…