A Meditation on Reading the Analects
Princely authority, wind-like;
petty authority, grass-like:
wind blows, grass bends.
Not to govern self,
not to govern others:
to be ungoverned is not to govern.
Prince as prince,
minister, minister:
that is government.
Untiringly to remember,
unwaveringly to practice:
that is government.
Promoting the right,
subordinating the crooked:
that is government.
Accepting wise counsel,
exalting good character:
that is government.
Cherishing virtue,
loving law:
that is government.
Blessing the near,
luring the far:
that is government.
Not hasty, not niggling,
pardoning with ease:
that is government.
The unturning star
turning all stars:
that is government.
Days Already Past
My heart is fanned open,
like bird-wings, as I lie in bed.
Sleep, my dear; dream well!
Listen to my breath, a love melody.
The half-sun of this late afternoon
shines upon the garden;
the clouds like vineyard leaves
doubly thick,
gather sad tales into piled masses
as I rest, the breeze fanning me.
The shadows lengthen on the trees,
like months of pain.
On my arm rest your head;
let me listen to your heavy sigh,
the melancholy as it falls.
