The T‘iao Chih Hua; metaphorical. The writer laments his misery amidst and in consequence of the general decay of the kingdom.

1Deep yellow are turned
  The bignonia flowers; p. 329
And my wounded heart
  Its sorrow outpours.

2The flowers are all gone;
  But green leaves are seen.
Than this fate have known,
  Better not to have been!

3In fish traps but stars!
  Ewes thin, with large head!
While some may have food,
  Most languish, ill fed.