Wednesday Poem

10. Keep Your Mind From Wandering

Keep your mind from its wandering
and regain first oneness.
Is it possible?

Let your body become supple
as a newborn’s. Is it possible?

Cleanse your inner vision
till you see nothing but light.
Is it possible?

Love people and lead
without forcing your will.
Can you?

Deal with vital matters
without interfering.
Can it be done?

Can you stand clear
of your own mind and so
make sense of things?

Give birth and nourish.
Have but not possess.
Act but don’t expect.
Lead but don’t control.
Accomplish this and even your virtue
will have virtue.


by Lao Tzu
from Adadptations of the Tao te Ching
by R. Bob