Chapter 1
Speak it aloud, and it slips from your grasp
The Tao’s true nature none can clasp.
Nameless, yet endless forms appear,
The Source of the Tao, forever unclear
Call it not, and it is the wellspring of being.
Call it forth, and it weaves the world into seeing.
Unspoken, it births all that ever can be—
Named, it mothers infinity.
Desireless, it comes unbid,
Desiring, sees all things hid.
The mystery opens, silent and wide
Through its threshold, wisdom will guide.
Chapter 2
We know beauty, for ugliness walks by its side,
And understand good where evil resides.
Being and nothing in endless parade
Hard becomes easy as striving fades
Long always starts as the shortest of days
Shadow lives astride light’s golden haze
So the sage moves gently in paradox and grace,
Acts without striving, leaving no trace.
He teaches in silence, gives without claim
Lets things unfold, unburdened by fame.
Labor content tho no price won
Finished, his self undone
The work endures tho he be gone.