It’s been a while since I have been flattered by such a lovely “muse” moment…
A dear patron of mine, who I’ll call The Professor, is quite a wonderful poet. He is inspired by the Tao and by the play of yin and yang, and also by the playful teasing of a certain dancer who he says bathes the room with her smile. We have the most nourishing and delightful conversations tracking down inspiration, and when he walks through the door, I know he has a pocket full of poetry to share. This piece he gave to me this week to help me feel the healthiness of even a broken heart, and it is just so beautiful I have to share…
THE TAO OF RESILIENCE
Heaven has no favorites.
Thus, the rain falls equally
on weeds and orchids.
To the bad, bad things happen.
To the good, bad things also happen.
Why?
Heaven knows.
Broken heart? Many causes
Treachery, betrayal, lies…
Disease, famine, death…
Loss in all its forms.
Broken heart? Errant metaphor
the heart still functions
life continues.
And also the pain.
Therefore, the sage practices non-action
teaches by quiet example
has no favorites
to the good, she is compassionate.
To the bad, she is also compassionate
does not try, and thus achieves.
Gains by giving
And what of Sterling?
Is she not like the sage?
Is she not like the Tao?
Always returning
countering
darkness with light
ugliness with beauty
despair with hope
depression with desire
always bestowing.
In her constant loveliness
brings joy to sadness
overcomes pain
soothes the senses
makes the broken heart
healthy