26 July 2025

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.