supple

Can you focus your life-breath until you become

supple as a newborn child?

 

While you cleanse your inner vision

will you be found without fault?

 

Can you love people and lead them

without forcing your will on them?

 

When Heaven gives and takes away

can you be content with the outcome?

 

When you understand all things

can you step back from your own understanding?

Giving birth and nourishing,

making without possessing,

expecting nothing in return.

To grow, yet not to control:

This is the mysterious virtue.

~ Lao Tzu

from Tao Te Ching

art: Aboriginal Australia Rainbow Serpent

Middle School Art