It happens to be that some strangers

Expose themselves very mannered,

Claiming that their abilities surpass

Those of Confucius and other sages.

But once you speak with them, alas,

You start to realise that their minds

Are paralyzed and stiff with cliché.

Looking at them, you see obstinacy,

Even stronger than that of a mule’s.

You have to pull them with a cord,

As they are easily angered and

Good at refusing--they never wish

To meet you halfway and cooperate.

You can pinch or even stab them

With an awl—they are immovable

And insensitive in any way. Hence,

They so much resemble me a crow

Which was ashamed to be born with

No flashy tail and lustrous feathers.