Lot 74 of 100
A lazy wild crane flies into a cage on its own
The poem
慵飛野鶴自投籠欲舉鵬霄落陷中南北東西混障碍此身憔悴恨無窮
In English
A lazy wild crane flies into a cage on its own.Meant to rise to the sky, it falls into a pit instead.North, south, east, and west, all are blocked,and the body is worn and the regrets are endless.
What it says
A wild crane meant to be free flies into a cage, and one reaching for the sky falls into a pit. Obstacles press in on all sides, leaving weariness and regret. It is a cautionary lot against slipping into trouble through carelessness. If you are already in it, pause, be gentle with yourself, and think quietly about a way out.
A thought to take with you
Think one step further before acting; if you are stuck, steady yourself and look for an exit.