Tao Te Ching 20
A poem in English, Verse 20
Published in
Feb 15, 2022
No learning, no fear.
Yes. No.
Do they differ?
Good. Evil.
Do they differ?
We fear
what we are taught to fear.
Vast, desolate fear.
People are excited
by pageant and sacrifice
…for a great feast
they mount the terrace in spring
I am Wildness before dawn
…not yet form
An infant who does not yet
…know how to smile
…know its origins
…belong anywhere.
Many chained to possessions
I value
Nothing
My heart remains empty
…untainted.
Many display cleverness
…simplicity has value
Many engage in
Sharp scrutiny.
…the nebulous has meaning
Tranquil ocean
…vast and limitless
Many have goals
I am borne aloft
By the Nourishing Mother’s
Goals for me.
