Fifty-Eight

When the country is loosely governed

the people are satisfied.

When the country is strictly governed,

the people are defiant.

Happiness is rooted in misery.

Misery lurks behind all happiness.

Who knows what will happen next?

With each passing day the people grow

more confused.

How does one cope?

Sweep the front and back porch

clear

each morning and

night.

Embrace the ordinary.

That is how one remains sharp

but does not cut;

bends, but does not break.

Without too much fuss,

all is accomplished.