Ode To The Fly

Having Fun With Philosophy

I have read at least five different translations of Tao Te Ching in past weeks. Clearly, translating from early Chinese to English is not an easy task. Along the way, however, I encountered a rhyming version by James Clatfelter that was an absolute joy to read. Obviously, some of the subleties of the straight-forward classical interpretations become lost if your goal is to suck up every last morsel of detail. That said, I decided to combine an element of Thomas Cleary's interpretation (using "warrior" in place of "sage") with Clatfelter's rhyming version and produced - with apologies to all - my interpretion of Chapter 15 of the Tao Te Ching:

Father Time's Version

The Warriors Of Old

Those warriors of old who knew the way
To origin and source within
Have seen the place where wholeness
And infinity begin

Alert as one on a frozen stream
Or one who watches for the foe
Deferential as a guest
And generous as melting snow

Plain as an uncarved block of wood
Expansive as a vale
Transparent just like water
Whose clarity will never fail

Can you keep yourself so still
That muddy water clears?
And wait until right action
Spontaneously appears?

Addendum

Once again, there is no intention of offend classic Taoists. It's just Father Time working on his portrait.