9.22.2007

Water

The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It is content with the low places that people disdain.
Thus it is like the Tao.

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.

When you are content to be simply yourself
and don't compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.

from the tao te ching by lau tzu, translated by stephen mitchell

2 comments:

  1. Blessings:

    If you come to visit my site, I promise not to watch or wave at you (I say this because I get the feeling from your older post that you are afraid of clowns...LOL).
    I'll leave you with a small taste of what I call a "Poetic Idea".

    Lonely Tears

    Half-sitting, half-laying
    His hat in the street
    A few coins twinkle there
    Nearby, a drummers beat.

    His eyes barely open
    For what's there to see
    A businessman passes
    Throws two quarters, maybe three.

    Out of guilt or compassion
    I'd say the former not the latter
    For his eyes never left his watch
    As though he doesn't even matter.

    But the old man doesn't care
    He's already learned how to cope
    What he really requires
    Is for us to give him hope.

    A bard in me, I say to you
    You that cannot see his pain
    For it does indeed show itself
    Time and time again.

    If you peer closely
    At the corner of his eye
    Ah, but first you must sit a spell
    And let the sun creep through the sky.

    Until time then rewards
    It now begins to swell
    A lone tiny tear
    Has finally climbed the well.

    Slowly it builds
    Its journey long
    Vibrating in rhythm
    To the drummers song.

    It finally falls
    Sliding over the cheek
    Pounding through the stubble
    Gliding where it's sleek.

    Hanging from the chin
    Posing in its singularity
    And showing all
    In utmost clarity.

    Only a man
    With a broken heart
    Cries with
    Lonely tears.

    your humble servant,
    ancient clown

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