A Meditation on Reading the Analects
Ruler's authority, wind-like;
subject's authority, grass-like:
wind blows, grass bends.
Not governing oneself,
not governing others:
ungoverning here, ungoverning there.
Prince as prince,
minister, minister:
that is government.
Untiringly to remember,
unwaveringly to practice:
that is government.
To accept wise counsel,
to exalt good character:
that is government.
To bless the near,
to lure the far:
that is government.
Unrushing and not niggling,
pardoning with ease:
that is government.
The unturning star
turning all stars:
that is government.
Donder-thunder-donner-rain
Donder-thunder-donner-rain:
Clouds grow dark, grumble, crash;
tongues of storm, sparks of light
charge recklessly across the clouds,
bolts on black breaking night,
cracking, creasing, sky and mind
with clarity of fire.
Rushing, roaring winds inspire
rains in pouring, thoughts in streams,
endless drops that drip from heaven,
washing, wishing, on the streets.
Silence drenches rain-swept pathways;
clouds alone still have their say:
Donder-thunder-donner-rain.
