a wise student hears of Tao and engages deeply
an average student hears and periodically thinks of it
a foolish student hears and laughs aloud
were there no laughter Tao would not be Tao
now we can see
a bright path as dim
onward appearing retreat
a way of ease feeling difficult
virtue is but vanity
purity as hypocrisy
wealth never enough
strength temporary then frail
integrity impossible
later we will see
an ideal square is cornerless
better talents bloom late
highest notes are hard to hear
our best form has no shape
Tao has no name and is hidden
Tao nourishes and fulfills