Poem: Changes 61/ Inner Truth

1

The wind blows over the lake.
The water's surface ripples as the visible

Effects of the invisible appear.

2
Pigs and fishes are the least intelligent
Of all animals and therefore
the most difficult to influence.

The force of inner truth must grow strong
Before its influence

Extends to such creatures.

With people as intractable and difficult
To influence as a pig or a fish,
Success depends on the right approach.

3
A crane calls

In the shade.
Its young answers.

4
I have a good goblet.
We share

A glass of wine.

5
You find a comrade.
Now he beats the drum, now he stops.
Now he sobs, now he sings.

No matter how close you are,
If your center of gravity
Depends on them, you are tossed

To and fro between joy and sorrow.
The moon is nearly full.
The team horse goes astray.

6
The cock is dependable.
It crows at dawn,
But it cannot fly itself to heaven.

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