Your patriotism has touched a chord in my heart.

Born in a time of war, you witnessed the harshness of human nature and endured poverty and illness, yet never forgot about the plight of all people. Lu You, you proved your unwavering dedication to the world with a life filled with sorrow and hardship. — Preface

In that tumultuous era, the fields were littered with dead bodies, and the common folk were displaced. Facing the ruins before you and the constant news of lost territories, you could not help but feel both grief and indignation.
You were a young man with great ambitions, and your literary achievements only strengthened your resolve. However, the ways of the world are unpredictable, and corrupt officials prevented you from realizing your goals. When the nation was in danger, you knew that only by fighting could we achieve lasting peace. Your deep love for your country drove you to stand against the majority, even at the cost of becoming an enemy. But as a newcomer to politics, you did not understand its treacherous nature, and as a result, you were repeatedly exiled.
Exile filled you with sorrow and anger, but it could not extinguish your love for your country. “Lying awake in the night, I hear the wind and rain; the sounds of war seem to come from my dreams.” No matter where you were, you always kept a close eye on the fate of your nation. When our cities were reclaimed, you rejoiced like a child, despite your illness; when territory was lost, you grew pale with sorrow, tears welling in your eyes as you looked into the distance.
Yet, your sincerity did not bring about the rise of the Southern Song Dynasty, and the hopes in your heart gradually faded. Illness tormented you through countless sleepless nights, and your health deteriorated day by day. Knowing that your time was near, you managed to send a final message to your son: “When our troops reclaim the Central Plains, do not forget to inform your old father at the family sacrifice.” With that, you ended your life filled with sorrow.
Lu You, you never got to experience the thrill of fighting on the battlefield or wield power in politics, but you carried a vision for the betterment of all people with a breadth of mind that few could match. Lu You, you will always be remembered by the world. What you left behind are not only your magnificent poems but also many precious qualities.
(Translation adapted to make it more child-friendly and use common English names where possible.)