Lot 2 of 100
The whale, not yet transformed, keeps to the rivers and lakes
The poem
鯨魚未化守江湖未許升騰離碧波異日崢嶸身變態從教一躍禹門過
In English
The whale, not yet transformed, keeps to the rivers and lakes.It is not yet allowed to rise and leave the green waves.One day it will show its towering form, changed at last,and with a single leap it will pass the Dragon Gate.
What it says
A whale that has not yet changed must stay in the rivers and lakes for now, unable to leave the green water. The last line alludes to the Dragon Gate legend, in which a carp that leaps the gate becomes a dragon. The poem describes a stage of quiet preparation, with a bigger leap possible only once the time is ripe.
A thought to take with you
There is no need to leap yet; use this season to build your strength and foundations.